《Journey of True Cultivation》


 Cultivation System! Spoilers!

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 Ghost Forest

    A forest shrouded in dense white mist stretched endlessly before him, swallowing the trees, the sky, and the very air itself. The fog was so thick that even the faintest outlines of the trees blurred into nothingness. The howling wind carried a strange, sorrowful melody, whispering through the trees like a ghostly lament.


    It was said that anyone who entered would never return their souls forever trapped in an endless, shifting maze of mist and shadows. No one knew what lay beyond the fog, nor did anyone dare to find out.


    Yet, at the edge of this dreaded place, a lone boy sat in silence.


    His black hair was unkempt, tangled, and streaked with dirt. His eyes dark and reflective held a quiet weight far beyond his ten years of age. Dressed in a plain, tattered robe stained with dirt and dried blood, he looked too fragile to belong to such a cruel world.


    And yet, this was his only path.


    His name was Yuan.


    A heavy sigh escaped his lips, his breath visible in the cold air. His hands, trembling from exhaustion, clenched into weak fists. His body ached, and his legs screamed for rest, but there was none to be found.


    He could not afford to stop.


    Slowly, he rose to his feet. His steps were unsteady, his limbs sluggish, but still, he moved forward. Step by step, he entered the Ghost Forest, vanishing into the endless white mist.


    The further Yuan walked, the more unnatural the world became.


    At first, the wind howled, filling the air with its haunting cries. Then, all sound vanished swallowed whole by the mist. His own footsteps became muted, as if the earth itself refused to acknowledge his existence.


    The cold seeped into his bones.


    His vision already limited blurred further. The mist thickened until he could see nothing. Not even the faint outline of a tree. It was as if he had been swallowed by a formless void.


    Yet, he did not stop.


    His mind drifted, memories surfacing through the haze of exhaustion.


    He remembered the villagers'' fear.


    They told tales of the Ghost Forest of lost souls who wandered until madness took them, their final screams merging into the howling wind. Others spoke of a world beyond the mist, where beings unlike any human lived in secret. The most terrifying rumor, however, claimed that if one were to conquer the Ghost Forest, the world itself would begin to crumble.


    But Yuan''s grandfather had told him something different.


    His grandfather spoke not of death, but of a forgotten past.


    "Long ago, our ancestors fled into the Ghost Forest," he had said, his voice low and filled with mystery. "Not to be lost¡­ but to hide from the outside world."


    Yuan had listened, wide-eyed, as his grandfather described a world beyond imagination a place of boundless skies, towering mountains, and people who could soar through the heavens like birds.


    But among all his grandfather''s tales, one had haunted Yuan more than any other.


    The legend of the Mist Tomb.


    "Deep within the Ghost Forest, past the endless mist, lies an ancient mansion a place known as the Mansion of Countless Tombs.


    "Beneath that mansion, hidden among endless stone chambers, lies a secret so great that those who seek it must sacrifice everything.


    "It is a path of no return." S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The mist will deceive your eyes. The silence will devour your mind. The forest will make you turn back.


    "Only those who continue forward, even in absolute darkness, will reach the truth."


    "Many have tried. None have returned."Yuan had never forgotten those words.


    He could have lived a quiet life in the village, pretending to be a normal boy. But his body refused to let him.


    A sickness ate away at him a pain so deep, so relentless, that even his grandfather could not explain it. His head ached constantly, the dull pain creeping deeper into his skull with every passing day. Some mornings, he woke up unable to move, his limbs heavy as stone.


    And he knew, with a certainty that chilled him to his core if it got any worse, he would never wake up again.


    His body was dying.


    But the Mist Tomb¡­ was his only hope.


    He walked on.


    He ignored the pain in his chest, the way his vision darkened at the edges. The deeper he went, the less human he felt like a ghost drifting through a world without color, without sound, without time.


    His senses began to fade.


    First, the feeling in his hands dulled, his fingers growing numb.


    Then, his sight blurred, the mist consuming his vision.


    His ears heard nothing not even his own heartbeat.


    Until finally, even his thoughts began to slip away.


    There was nothing left but a single, fragile command echoing in his mind.


    Walk.


    And so, he did.


    Minutes passed.


    Then hours.


    Then eternity.


    Yuan forgot everything the village, his grandfather, even his own name.


    And then¡­ something changed.


    The mist around him began to fade.


    Slowly, the endless white fog thinned.


    First, he saw the faint outlines of trees. Then, the wind returned a soft whisper against his skin. His sense of touch returned, bringing with it a deep, gnawing pain. His body ached as if he had been walking for days without rest.


    Then, a metallic taste filled his mouth.


    Blood.


    Yuan coughed violently, crimson spilling from his lips. He staggered, barely managing to stay on his feet.


    When he looked down, his breath caught in his throat.


    So much blood.


    His hands trembled. His chest heaved. Had his body truly suffered this much?


    For the first time since entering the Ghost Forest¡­ he felt fear.


    His gaze drifted back to the mist behind him. What had just happened to him in there? How much time had passed?


    He didn''t know.


    And he wasn''t sure he wanted to.


    But one thing was certain.


    There was no turning back now.


    Lifting his head, he saw it.


    A massive stone gate loomed in the distance, towering over the landscape like a guardian of the unknown.


    It was colossal so large that his entire village could have fit within its walls. The stone was black and yellow, covered in intricate carvings unlike anything he had ever seen. Strange paintings lined the massive doors figures that seemed to move when he wasn''t looking.


    Flanking the gate were two enormous stone pillars, standing like silent sentinels. Beyond them stretched an endless wall, blocking any view of what lay behind.


    Yuan''s breath hitched.


    "Could this really be¡­ the Mansion of Countless Tombs?"


    His body screamed for rest. His mind begged him to turn back.


    But instead, he stepped forward.


    His back was straight. His eyes, though filled with exhaustion, held an unshakable resolve.


    He had come too far.


    There was only one path left to take.


    And so, without hesitation, Yuan approached the Stone Gate.


    Each step Yuan took, the world seemed to change around him.


    The first step the air grew heavy, pressing down on his young body like an invisible weight.


    The second step the wind, once howling, twisted into violent gusts, slashing at his skin as if trying to push him back.


    The third step the very ground beneath him felt heavier, as though the forest itself wished to bury him alive before he reached his goal.


    Yet, despite it all, he did not stop walking.


    Pain clawed at every part of his body. His legs trembled, his breath came in ragged gasps, and his head oh, the unbearable pain in his head! It felt as if a thousand knives were stabbing into his skull, twisting deeper with every beat of his heart. He wanted to scream, but even that took too much strength.


    And yet, he did not stop walking.


    The gates loomed before him now massive, ancient, and unmoving. He could barely lift his head to look at them. His vision blurred, dark spots danced at the edges of his sight, and his mind begged him to stop.


    But how could he?


    If he stopped now, it would all be for nothing.


    The stories his grandfather had told him of a world beyond this one, of endless skies and soaring beyond the clouds had kept him alive. They had filled his heart with a longing so deep it hurt more than his illness. Even now, as his body screamed in agony, as his vision blurred from exhaustion, his dream remained clear.


    "I have to reach it¡­" Yuan thought, his lips too dry to even whisper the words.


    Then, his body betrayed him.


    His knees buckled. His strength gave out. And before he could react, he collapsed his head slamming against the cold, unyielding stone of the gate.


    A sharp pain.


    A gasp.


    Then darkness.


    As Yuan''s small body crumpled against the gate, something shifted.


    The countless paintings carved into the ancient stone dark figures, swirling symbols, lifelike images of beasts and gods began to glow. One by one, they flickered to life, their colors shining like stars in the night. The light, golden and endless, pulsed like a heartbeat.


    And then, as if sensing his desperation, the glowing light rushed toward Yuan.


    It wrapped around his fragile body, swirling like mist, sinking into his skin as if devouring him whole. His tiny form vanished into the radiance, swallowed by an ancient force that had lain dormant for centuries.


    And then, as suddenly as it had started the light faded.


    The gate returned to stillness. The howling wind softened. The crushing weight of the air disappeared.


    It was as if nothing had ever happened.


    But Yuan¡­ was gone.

 Weird Dinning Room

    Light a beautiful, shining light illuminated the sky.


    Seeing this radiant glow, Yuan was stunned for a second, his mind dazed as he struggled to comprehend what was happening. His vision remained blurry, and all he could perceive was the dazzling brightness as he woke up. For a full minute, he lay there, simply admiring the mesmerizing sight.


    Then, his thoughts slowly cleared. He let out a deep breath and remained on the ground, lost in reflection.


    What had happened?


    It all began two weeks ago the day his only family member, his grandfather, passed away. His last words still echoed in Yuan''s mind.


    In a modest wooden house, just large enough to accommodate four people, an old man lay on a simple bed. His gray hair, once thick, had thinned with age, and his dark black eyes had lost much of their youthful luster. Yet even in his final days, his face retained a certain handsomeness, a lingering trace of the strong man he once was.


    Beside the bed stood a young boy. His black hair and dark, gleaming eyes bore a resemblance to the elderly man, though his youthful gaze shone with a light yet untouched by time.


    But there was no joy in the boy''s eyes. No carefree laughter befitting his age.


    Tears streamed down Yuan''s face as he clutched his grandfather''s frail hand.


    "Grandpa... you can''t go away!" Yuan''s voice trembled with desperation. "What am I supposed to do without you? Why can''t you stay with me longer? Please¡­ just don''t go. Please don''t die¡­ Please!"


    A weak chuckle left the old man''s lips. "Hehe¡­ little Yuan," he whispered, his voice hoarse and frail, "you know I can''t stay much longer¡­ and neither can you."


    Yuan''s breath hitched.


    "You are smart, my boy," his grandfather continued with difficulty. "You must already know that your time is running out as well. Your headaches¡­ they''re getting worse. Soon, life itself will become unbearable for you. And yet¡­ I have failed you. I am a useless grandfather I don''t even know how to save you."


    Yuan immediately shook his head. His voice came out in a frantic plea.


    "No, Grandpa! Don''t say that! Don''t worry about my headaches they''re nothing! Just stay with me! We can find a cure together!"


    The old man smiled weakly, his cloudy eyes filled with sorrow.


    "Yuan, my boy... your father died before you were even born. Your mother followed soon after, leaving you at the age of three. And now, seven years later, you will lose me too." He paused, his breath shallow. "A cruel fate for such a young and bright child. The heavens must truly have cursed you."


    His grandfather''s expression darkened.


    "If only you had been born in the outside world like our ancestors," he murmured. "You could have become a great scholar¡­ or even a legendary town chief, like the ones I heard about and once dreamed of becoming. But I was a coward. I never even tried to leave this tiny village."


    His wrinkled hand squeezed Yuan''s weakly.


    "But the past is the past¡­ and now is now. None of that matters anymore. I only hope that somehow¡­ you will defy your fate. Just like the myths say."


    Yuan listened in silence, his heart pounding.


    "My grandfather once told me something that I never forgot," the old man said, his voice a mere whisper now. "There are people mythical people who can erase our entire village with a mere wave of their hand. They are the ones who defied their destiny, who refused to bow to the heavens¡­ and rose from nothing to challenge the very will of the gods themselves."


    His breath grew weaker.


    "Do you remember the story of the Mansion of Countless Tombs in the Ghost Forest?" He chuckled faintly, though it was laced with pain. "Some say¡­ one of those heaven-defying people built it. Or perhaps¡­ the heavens themselves placed it there. Who knows? I''m just a foolish old man who knows nothing¡­ but if you truly wish to escape your fate¡­ perhaps that mansion holds the answer you seek."


    His fingers trembled as he reached for Yuan''s hand one last time.


    "But before I leave, Yuan¡­ promise me one thing."


    Yuan''s tears fell freely now. He clenched his small fists, his entire body trembling.


    "Anything, Grandpa!" he sobbed. "I''ll promise you anything! Just say it!"


    The old man''s lips curled into the faintest of smiles.


    "Live a life you dont regret," he murmured. "I remember when you were little¡­ you once told me you wanted to fly through the sky¡­ to see the world beyond this village¡­ just like in the stories of The Adventure of the East."


    His breathing slowed. His eyelids fluttered.


    "And that Saja girl," he added weakly, "I saw how she looked at you¡­ with feelings beyond friendship..."


    His voice faded.


    Then, with the last of his strength, he whispered:


    "I loved the time we spent together, Yuan."


    And with that¡­ he was gone.


    Yuan knew, the moment his grandfather''s hand went limp in his own.


    Death had taken him.


    The pain that followed was unlike anything he had ever felt before. The grief. The loneliness. The weight of knowing that from now on, he had no one left.


    But through the haze of sorrow, one truth stood out.


    His grandfather''s last words.


    "You don''t have much time left either."


    Even though it was painful to hear, Yuan understood. His grandfather had said it with a heavy heart, but he had meant well.


    And so, without hesitation¡­ without looking back¡­ he had made his decision.


    That very night, he had left the village, slipping away unnoticed.


    And he ran.


    He ran toward the Ghost Forest.


    And here he was now lying on a cold floor, gazing at the shining lights above him. Somehow, these lights brought back memories of why he had come here in the first place.


    He wanted to defy his fate.


    Something no ten year-old should even think about. Something no ordinary person would dare to consider.


    After all, defying the heavens would bring their wrath upon him just like the mythical figures his grandfather once spoke of.


    With a deep sigh, Yuan''s vision cleared. No longer was the world a blurry haze. Instead, everything became sharp and vivid. A big smile formed on his face as clarity filled his mind, stronger than ever before.


    "Defying the heavens¡­ have I already taken my first step?"


    He let out a chuckle one that soon turned into laughter. A loud, heartfelt laugh, as if he had just realized something utterly absurd yet liberating.


    "Dying now or in five years¡­ does it really make a difference? The heavens already want me dead, so why should I care if they''re angry?"


    As he spoke, his laughter grew bolder, filled with unshaken determination.


    Then, as he stared at the shining lights above, he declared:


    "Yes! I, Yuan, shall face the heavens'' wrath! So what if the heavens want me dead? I refuse to obey! Why should I? I shall defy the will of the heavens! I will challenge the heavens themselves and rebel with all my might!"


    A few moments passed before realization struck him,he had spoken those words out loud.


    His face turned crimson.


    Blushing heavily, he let out an awkward chuckle. "Thank the damn heavens no one heard that... hehe."


    With one last deep breath, he slowly stood up, stretching his aching body. However, as he surveyed his surroundings, he realized something strange he was no longer standing before the massive stone gate.


    Instead¡­ he was in a room.


    The walls were made of the same black and yellow stone as the gate, but unlike the engravings he had seen before, these walls were plain and unadorned. They looked almost¡­ normal.


    Yet, the room wasn''t empty.


    There were decorations.


    At the center stood a grand table,massive in size, each chair placed at least a meter apart, with enough space for eleven people to sit comfortably. The craftsmanship was unlike anything Yuan had ever seen in his village. Countless intricate patterns were engraved onto its surface, making it seem almost¡­ otherworldly.


    Yuan''s gaze fell upon one particular pattern a symbol unlike any he had ever encountered.


    It resembled a square, though slightly twisted, with one edge pointing downward. In the center of this twisted square was a wavy line, drawn as if flowing like water.


    Was this some kind of insignia? A crest?


    Yuan couldn''t tell.


    Each chair was placed precisely at the location of these symbols. The chairs themselves were made of a strange material,something he couldn''t quite identify. It looked like white wood¡­ or perhaps a rare kind of polished stone. Whatever it was, it was unlike anything he had ever seen.


    And just like the table, the chairs, too, bore the same strange square symbols, one on each side of the handles. Every inch of the furniture was covered in countless intricate patterns.


    After studying the table and chairs for some time, Yuan turned his attention to the decorations atop the table.


    At its center stood five candles,one in the very middle, with the others positioned at the cardinal directions: east, west, north, and south. The spacing between them was wide enough that Yuan''s entire hand could fit between each one.


    But what truly caught his attention¡­


    Were the flames.


    They burned not with an ordinary yellow glow, but with a deep purple hue. The outer edges of the flames glowed a brighter shade of violet, while the center grew darker,almost black.


    And yet¡­ these flames did not burn as normal fire should.


    There was no smoke. No flickering embers.


    The flames swayed gently, yet not a single wisp of mist rose from them.


    It was unnatural.


    Other than the candles, there were two vases on the table, each holding flowers.


    Like the flames, the petals of these flowers were deep purple, fading to a brighter hue at the edges while darkening toward the center.


    A strange, eerie beauty surrounded them.


    Aside from these decorations, the table held nothing else.


    Yuan, having taken in the sight of the table, finally turned his attention to the walls.


    There, on each side of the table, Yuan saw two paintings.


    One of them depicted something he immediately recognized,a dense forest shrouded in thick mist.


    "This¡­ this is the Ghost Forest!"


    Yuan was certain of it. He had seen this very sight before, but as he stared at the painting longer, something strange caught his attention.


    The mist¡­ was moving.


    At first, he thought it was a trick of his eyes. But the more he looked, the more he realized,the mist within the painting was shifting, swirling as if carried by an invisible breeze.


    A painting¡­ that moved?


    Curious, Yuan stepped closer, wanting to examine it more clearly.


    It was no illusion.


    The mist within the painting was alive, flowing like real fog trapped inside the frame.


    Shocked, Yuan reached out his hand, instinctively wanting to touch this bizarre painting. But just as his fingers were about to make contact


    His hand stopped.


    Only a centimeter away from the surface, an invisible force prevented him from moving forward. No matter how much strength he mustered, he couldn''t push through. It was as if an unseen barrier was blocking his hand.


    Yuan furrowed his brows.


    "What kind of sorcery is this¡­?"


    Since he couldn''t interact with this painting, he turned his attention to the other one.


    Perhaps it would give him more clues about his situation?


    As he stepped closer to the second painting, a strange sense of familiarity washed over him.


    He had seen something like this before.


    The painting depicted a grand pavilion built from gray and yellow stone. Before the pavilion lay a vast garden filled with towering trees, lush bushes, and even a small lake. Scattered throughout the garden were several statues, though Yuan couldn''t make out their details from where he stood.


    But something was¡­ off.


    Amidst the breathtaking scenery, there stood another structure,a small tower.


    Unlike the majestic pavilion or the beautifully designed garden, this tower looked utterly plain. It didn''t fit with the rest of the landscape at all.


    It was nothing more than a round block of stone with a simple wooden door. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It seemed out of place¡­ yet it was there, included in the painting for a reason.


    Yuan glanced back and forth between the two paintings.


    Just like the Ghost Forest painting, he found that he couldn''t touch the pavilion painting either.


    A feeling of unease settled over him.


    He was trapped.


    A large dining table, two mysterious paintings, an eerie silence.


    That was all that surrounded him.


    Fear began to creep into his heart.


    "What is this place? Why am I here? And¡­ how do I escape?"


    For the first time since waking up, Yuan felt true despair.


    Minutes passed,ten, maybe more. He wasn''t sure.


    He had tried everything he could think of. Yet nothing changed.


    Letting out a frustrated sigh, he gave up thinking and simply began pacing in circles around the table.


    Maybe moving around would help him find something?


    After several rounds, his frustration only grew.


    His gaze fell upon the flickering purple flames and the strange purple flowers. He sighed once more.


    And then, on impulse, he pulled one of the chairs from the table.


    To his surprise¡­ it moved.


    Unlike the paintings, he could actually touch the chair!


    For the first time since waking up in this strange room, a faint smile appeared on Yuan''s face.


    "At least I can interact with something¡­"


    With nothing else to do, he decided to sit down and rest for a moment.


    But the moment he settled into the chair


    The countless patterns engraved into it began to glow.


    A brilliant light flooded the room, illuminating every corner with an intense radiance.


    Before Yuan could even react, the light engulfed him completely.


    And then


    It shot straight into the painting of the pavilion.


    The room, once filled with beautiful golden light, began to fade.


    Darkness crept in.


    The glowing ceiling dimmed¡­


    Until finally, the room was swallowed by eternal darkness.

 Dreadfull Forest

    At first, Yuan saw nothing but light,so much light that his vision blurred, and his eyes seemed to shine with its overwhelming radiance. And then, in a single breath, it vanished.


    Darkness.


    Only the flashing afterimages remained, flickering in his sight like dying embers. A sharp pain stabbed at his eyes, forcing him to shut them as he collapsed onto the cold ground.


    Taking deep, steady breaths, he clenched his fists and slowly reopened his eyes. The pain lingered, but he ignored it. Then, his voice, dry and rough, broke the silence.


    "Fuck that¡­ where am I now?"


    He cursed his situation endlessly, his mind still struggling to grasp reality. As his vision adjusted, he quickly realized something different.


    He wasn''t in that cursed stone room anymore.


    A weak chuckle escaped his lips. "What the hell kind of mess have I gotten myself into?" His voice was hoarse but tinged with relief. "I knew nothing from the start¡­ so I suppose surviving is my first goal. Who knows? Maybe there really are some profound secrets hidden here."


    Just knowing he had escaped that eerie stone prison was enough to calm him. But as he looked around, his breath hitched.


    A forest.


    But not the one he had known his entire life.


    This was not the Ghost Forest.


    For the first time, Yuan stood in a forest untouched by mist. The sight was so unfamiliar,so strange yet so normal,that he found himself stunned into silence.


    Towering trees stretched endlessly into the sky, their green leaves swaying gently in the breeze. Vibrant grass blanketed the earth, accompanied by an endless sea of colorful flowers, their petals shifting in the soft wind. The sky above was clear, a deep, beautiful blue, mirroring the stories his grandfather had once told him.


    A forest of life.


    His lips parted in shock. "Am I¡­ outside the Ghost Forest?" His voice was quiet, disbelieving. "Did I actually leave? Was it¡­ that easy?"


    He didn''t know.


    Yuan had heard of forests like these,but only in stories. Stories of lands untouched by the cursed mist, of worlds beyond the village he had been trapped in for his entire existence.


    Yet now, here he was. Seeing it with his own eyes.


    A small, almost childlike smile spread across his face. His feet, driven by pure instinct, moved forward. With each step, the joy inside him grew, blooming like the flowers around him.


    He walked.


    The thought of leaving the forest,or even questioning where he truly was,never crossed his mind. His body simply moved, lost in the moment. The pain in his skull reminded him he was alive, but his mind drifted further from his past, his purpose¡­ even himself.


    At some point, his steps became hollow, and his expression dulled.


    He forgot why he was here.


    He forgot where he had come from.


    He became nothing more than a lifeless puppet, drifting endlessly through the vibrant forest.


    Then, something changed.


    The trees thinned. The forest opened into a vast, serene lake.


    Yuan kept walking,but the sight before him forced his mind awake.


    The lake was a perfect mirror, reflecting the sky''s untouched blue with eerie clarity. But he wasn''t alone. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Statues.


    Countless statues surrounded the lake.


    Sculptures of humans,men and women, frozen in place, expressions carved in eternal silence.


    Yuan''s dull eyes slowly regained their focus. His mind, once lost in the haze, suddenly snapped back.


    And then, it hit him.


    A sharp, splitting pain tore through his skull, forcing him to stumble. His body trembled, his breath turned ragged.


    Memories rushed back like a crashing wave.


    The Ghost Forest.


    The Stone Gate.


    The Pavilion.


    The strange dining hall.


    A choked breath left his lips as realization settled in. "I was¡­ about to lose myself?" His voice shook with terror.


    He turned,eyes darting back toward the forest he had just left.


    The once-beautiful greenery warped before his very eyes.


    It was no longer a peaceful forest,it was a trap.


    A horrifying, suffocating trap that had almost swallowed him whole.


    Yuan''s hands clenched into trembling fists.


    "So¡­ I''m not out of the Ghost Forest." His voice was barely above a whisper. "I came through the Pavilion¡­ so this must be¡­ the Garden on the Lake."


    His gaze swept across the garden.


    Scattered around the serene, glassy lake, figures of stone stood frozen,some half-sunken into the ground, others poised in mid-motion as if caught in time.


    Statues.


    That was what he assumed at first.


    They were arranged in no particular order, some facing the water, others staring off into the distance. Some stood side by side, while others were alone, their arms raised in strange, uncertain gestures.


    A strange unease crept over him.


    Yuan had seen statues before,but these felt different.


    Their expressions were¡­ unsettling.


    Statues were supposed to be blank, emotionless, yet these looked too lifelike, as though someone had captured a person''s final moment in stone.


    Some had furrowed brows, mouths slightly open, as if on the verge of speaking. Others looked like they had been mid-scream, their jaws frozen in unnatural tension.


    His fingers twitched.


    Something about them unnerved him,but he didn''t know why.


    Still, he dismissed the feeling.


    Perhaps the Pavilion''s builders had carved them to look like lost travelers, a warning to those who would tread this path.


    He shook his head. "This place is playing tricks on me."


    And yet¡­


    He stepped closer to one.


    It was a man, standing stiffly with his arms raised as if reaching for something unseen. The detailing was impressive,even the folds in his robes were etched with precision, and the texture of his hair looked so real that for a brief second, Yuan swore he saw it move with the wind.


    The longing in the statue''s face unsettled him.


    His fingers twitched again.


    Almost without thinking, he reached out,just to see how the stone felt beneath his fingers.


    The moment his skin made contact


    A scream.


    A wretched, soul-piercing scream tore through the air.


    Yuan jerked back violently, his breath hitching. His eyes darted around.


    But there was no one.


    Nothing but the lake.


    Nothing but the statues.


    His heartbeat thundered in his chest. Had he imagined that?


    He took a shaky breath. His mind was playing tricks on him again. Maybe it was just the wind through the trees, or a distant echo from somewhere in the Pavilion.


    But¡­


    A cold sweat dripped down his back.


    I have to be sure.


    Hesitantly, his trembling hand reached out again,this time, toward a different statue.


    The moment his fingers brushed against the stone


    Another scream.


    Louder.


    More anguished.


    Yuan yanked his hand back, his entire body shaking.


    This wasn''t his imagination.


    This was real.


    His stomach churned as his eyes slowly trailed up.


    Then


    His breath caught.


    The statue''s eyes had moved.


    They were open now.


    Wide. Horror filled.


    A violent shudder ran through him. He stumbled back, nearly falling. Then, almost against his will, he tested another.


    And another.


    Each time,a scream.


    Each time,the same horror filled eyes staring back at him.


    His breath came in ragged gasps. A cold dread seized his chest.


    "These statues¡­ they¡­ they''re alive?"


    They had walked the same path.


    They had reached the Pavilion.


    And then¡­


    They lost themselves.


    Just like he almost had.


    His body trembled. His vision blurred.


    If he had taken even one more step¡­ if his headache hadn''t reminded him he was still alive¡­


    Would he have become one of them?


    A cold shudder ran through him.


    His voice was barely a whisper. "What a cruel fate."


    He exhaled shakily. "Thank the damn heavens that I survived."


    But now¡­


    He had to move forward.


    He turned, eyes locking onto the forest path ahead,the westward path.


    It would lead him back to the Pavilion.


    A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. "Of course. I have to go back."


    He took a deep breath, glancing one last time at the lake of statues.


    Doubt whispered in his mind. Was this truly the right path?


    But then, he muttered to himself, his voice steady.


    "It doesn''t matter. Right or wrong¡­ I know nothing."


    "Death is already waiting for me."


    "So I will walk forward, survive¡­ and defy it."


    With that, he turned away from the lake and stepped into the dreadful forest ahead,his resolve unshaken.


    No hesitation.


    No regrets.


    Only the path forward.


    Walking through the dreadful forest toward the west, Yuan''s mind was now clear, allowing him to observe his surroundings with sharper awareness.


    The forest itself was dimly lit,the thick canopy of leaves and towering trees blocked most of the sunlight, letting only a few scattered beams pierce through. Yet, despite the lack of light, the scenery was strangely pleasing to the eye.


    From time to time, clusters of berries caught his attention, growing in abundance along the bushes. Some were deep red, others dark blue, and some even had a strange violet hue. Yuan had seen berries before, but these¡­ they seemed different.


    His stomach tightened. Hunger slowly crept in.


    Yuan carefully examined the berries, picking out the ones he recognized¡ªones he knew were safe to eat. After ensuring they were not poisonous, he hesitated only for a moment before putting a few into his mouth.


    A sudden burst of flavor spread across his tongue.


    These berries¡­


    "They''re delicious!"


    Compared to the ones he had eaten back in his village, these were far juicier, sweeter, and far more refreshing. He couldn''t help but take a few more, savoring their taste as he felt a bit of his strength return.


    After eating to his satisfaction, Yuan gathered a handful more, storing them inside his small pouch before continuing his journey.


    Now with a full stomach, his body felt more at ease,at least for the time being.


    For what felt like an hour, he walked steadily forward, the icy wind brushing against his skin, whispering through the trees. Other than the violent gusts of wind, nothing else happened. No strange figures. No eerie voices. Just the endless, dark forest stretching before him.


    Then, in the distance


    A break in the trees.


    Yuan''s heart skipped a beat.


    An exit.


    A sudden rush of excitement overtook him, and without thinking, he ran toward the clearing. A small smile formed on his face as he finally stepped out of the forest.


    And what awaited him left him breathless.


    There was no lake this time.


    Instead


    A massive pavilion.


    It stood before him like a silent giant, its towering structure far larger than he could have ever imagined. Yuan tilted his head back, trying to see its peak, but it stretched so high that it nearly touched the sky itself.


    And yet¡­


    It was not the same pavilion he had seen in the painting from the eerie dining hall.


    No,this pavilion looked ancient, forgotten, and dangerously fragile, as if a single touch could send it crumbling into dust. The once grand pillars were now cracked and chipped, covered in layers of moss and vines. Deep carvings of countless patterns lined its walls,patterns that had not been present in the painting.


    Most unsettling of all


    The square shaped symbol.


    It was etched everywhere.


    The moment Yuan laid eyes on it, a wave of familiarity hit him.


    "Where have I seen this before¡­?"


    His mind raced, searching through his memories,until suddenly, it clicked.


    Two years ago. His village.


    There had been an old, crumbling pavilion,one of the three ancient buildings left abandoned for generations. The adults had long deemed it too old and unstable to use, so they tore it down, planning to rebuild something new in its place.


    And now¡­


    Yuan''s breath hitched.


    This pavilion looked exactly like it.


    His hands clenched into fists. "What is this place¡­? How is it connected to my village?"


    But no answer would come.


    Not until he left this place.


    Determined to find out the truth, Yuan began to circle the pavilion, searching for an entrance. He walked almost an entire round before finally spotting a set of doors at its base.


    Slowly, cautiously, he stepped closer.


    The patterns on the doors began to glow.


    A soft, golden light pulsed through the intricate carvings, spreading outward like ripples on water. Moments later, the entire pavilion began to glow as well.


    Yuan''s eyes widened.


    For the first time since arriving, he felt genuine shock.


    As the glow intensified, the massive doors trembled and then, with a deep, rumbling groan, they began to open.


    A sudden dread crept into Yuan''s chest.


    This could be the right path.


    Or it could be a deadly trap.


    But in the end, it didn''t matter.


    He didn''t know what was right or wrong.


    And with no hesitation left in his heart, he stepped forward.


    Crossing the threshold, he entered the pavilion,into the unknown.

 Who am i?

    Yuan crossed the door cautiously, his eyes scanning every corner of the Pavilion with nervous anticipation. Yet, he saw nothing only a vast, endless darkness stretching before him.


    As he walked forward, a sudden bang echoed behind him. He flinched, whipping around, only to see that the door had shut tight.


    For a moment, shock paralyzed him.


    Then,another change.


    The once impenetrable darkness began to fade as lanterns flickered to life, their pale flames illuminating the vast space. As the glow spread, the true nature of the corridor was revealed.


    A long, dark hallway stretched before him, its walls lined with hundreds of stone tablets, each engraved with strange symbols he had never seen before. At the far end of the corridor, a staircase ascended, disappearing into the shadows above.


    Without any other choice, Yuan stepped forward, his cautious footsteps echoing through the silent hall.


    His eyes wandered restlessly, scanning his surroundings with deep wariness. He had seen what happened to those who failed the trials,the statues at the lake were proof of that. Whatever this place was, he would not let himself become one of them.


    The lanterns, flickering with a strange purple fire, cast eerie shadows along the walls. Yuan recognized these flames,they were the same as the ones in the dining room.


    Then, he noticed something else.


    A weak wind brushed against his skin, barely noticeable, yet present. If there was wind, then perhaps there was an opening ahead? Maybe a window or an exit?


    Or maybe... something else.


    But that didn''t matter right now. He would see for himself soon enough.


    And so, he walked on, without any care for how much time had passed.


    After what felt like an eternity, the corridor stretched on without end.


    Then, a faint whisper brushed against his ears.


    Yuan stopped in his tracks. His eyes darted around, but the hallway was empty.


    Was it just his mind playing tricks on him?


    Shaking his head, he continued forward, dismissing the sound as a product of exhaustion.


    Yet, the whispers did not fade.


    Instead, they grew clearer.


    The voices were calling names,countless names.


    Yuan frowned, shaking his head again. "It''s nothing. I''m just imagining things." He told himself firmly. After all, he could see his surroundings clearly. There was no illusion this time.


    Right?


    Still, the deeper he walked, the more persistent the whispers became.


    And then,he saw it.


    Among the countless indecipherable symbols on the stone tablets, one caught his eye.


    A name.


    A name he recognized.


    His breath caught in his throat.


    "Elliot."


    The moment he whispered it aloud, something changed.


    The corridor around him shifted, the air growing strangely heavy. His mind¡ªhis very thoughts¡ªbegan to blur.


    Memories surfaced.


    Elliot.


    A man from his village. A kind soul who had cared for both the young and the old. The one who had taught Yuan how to read and write, introducing him to the ancient language. Though Yuan had only learned a few words, he had always found it fascinating.


    He hadn''t thought about Elliot in years.


    Why was he remembering this now?


    Then


    A voice.


    Low. Hoarse. Cold.


    It spoke the name again.


    "Elliot."


    Yuan froze.


    His heart pounded violently in his chest.


    He looked around frantically, but there was no one there. Only the endless, dark corridor.


    Yet, he could feel it.


    Something was watching him.


    Something was approaching.


    Every nerve in his body screamed at him not to look back.


    Run.


    The thought crashed through his mind, raw and desperate.


    And without hesitation, he ran.


    Yuan''s small legs moved on instinct, pushing forward without care for exhaustion or caution. He did not dare stop.


    But something was wrong.


    His body was changing.


    His fingernails,they were¡­ shifting.


    Yet, in his blind panic, he didn''t notice.


    The whispers, once faint and distant, now surrounded him, calling more names,endless, countless names.


    Each one weighed on his mind, sinking into his thoughts, erasing something else in return.


    His body blurred.


    His memories twisted.


    He couldn''t remember why he was running.


    He couldn''t remember who he was.


    The corridor around him darkened into nothingness.


    And then


    A soft, gray light shone above him.


    When Yuan opened his eyes, he was no longer in the corridor.


    Instead


    He stood in a village.


    A strange village he did not recognize.


    Beside him, a young boy sat on a wooden chair, reading a book. He had shining green eyes and blond hair, his expression shy but curious.


    The boy looked up at him.


    "Excuse me, but¡­ who are you? I''ve never seen you before."


    He opened his mouth to respond.


    "Oh, yes. My name is¡­ I am¡­"


    He paused.


    His mind went blank.


    His stomach dropped.


    "Who am I?"


    The boy''s expression turned concerned. "You don''t know who you are? Are you okay? I can call the village doctor."


    He felt a surge of anger at the suggestion. "What nonsense. Of course, I know who I am! I just¡­ forgot. That''s all."


    The boy blinked in confusion, then smiled smugly. "That''s funny. I know who I am."


    He straightened his back and announced proudly, "My name is Alucard! My mother is the homeroom teacher for teenagers, and my father is the village historian!"


    He felt irritation rise in his chest. "Tch. Whatever. I''m leaving."


    But as he walked, every person he passed asked him the same question.


    "Who are you?"


    Again.


    And again.


    And again.


    Until the words began to break him.


    His memories blurred further. He remembered his mother,but then she was gone. He remembered his father,but then he never existed.


    Nothing made sense.


    Desperate, he ran into an old, broken pavilion, collapsing against its walls, staring blankly at the ceiling.


    "Who am I? Why can''t I remember?"


    His thoughts began to collapse.


    Then


    A voice.


    A cold, knowing voice.


    "Did you forget who you are, child?"


    His eyes widened. He turned to see an old man standing in the doorway, his dark green eyes eerily similar to the boy from earlier.


    The old man chuckled. "Then you don''t want to remember? That''s fine as well. Goodbye."


    Panic surged through Yuan. "No, wait! Old man,tell me how to remember!"


    Hearing this, the old man''s face twisted into a knowing smile. He raised a hand and pointed to the side.


    Yuan followed his gesture, and his breath caught.


    A dark hallway stretched before him, lined with hundreds of towering doors and stone tablets, their surfaces inscribed with symbols he couldn''t recognize. A few purple flames flickered weakly, illuminating the room with an eerie glow.


    Yuan''s body tensed.


    This wasn''t here before.


    When he had arrived, there had been no hallway, no doors, no glowing flames.


    His mind reeled. Had he simply not noticed? Or had the world around him shifted the moment he spoke to the old man?


    But before he could think further,his thoughts vanished.


    The moment the doubt surfaced, it was erased,as if something had reached into his mind and plucked it away.


    A chill crawled down his spine.


    The old man''s cold laughter echoed through the room, breaking the heavy silence.


    "Walk this hallway and follow the voices," the old man said, his tone both mocking and ominous. "They will guide you to one of the doors. And that door will tell you who you really are."


    With that, the old man vanished, as if he had never been there in the first place.


    But Yuan couldn''t care less. His mind was now fully consumed by one thing.


    Finding out who he was.


    He turned toward the hallway, taking in the sight of the endless doors before him.


    Then, the wind stirred.


    A whisper brushed past his ear.


    "Come inside, child. You belong here."


    Yuan''s body stiffened.


    A strange warmth filled his chest, and his vision blurred for a brief moment. The voice was so soft, so gentle,like a mother calling her child home.


    Without realizing it, his feet moved forward.


    His eyes dulled.


    One step. Then another.


    Slowly, he began to forget.


    His father,forgotten.


    His mother''s death,forgotten.


    The neighboring children he once played with,forgotten.


    Where he came from,forgotten.


    Why he came,forgotten.


    Step by step, the memories slipped away, dissolving like mist.


    Yet, amid the overwhelming pull of the voice, another whisper cut through.


    This one was different.


    Sharp. Urgent. Filled with clarity.


    "Don''t go! Don''t go, or you will die!"


    The words flickered across his fading mind,but they were faint, like a distant echo.


    Too soft. Too weak.


    He forgot them instantly.


    Again, he heard the gentle voice calling him forward.


    "Come inside, child. You belong here."


    His pace quickened.


    The hallway seemed endless, but his feet carried him effortlessly. Before him, one door glowed faintly, its wooden surface covered in blurred symbols he couldn''t recognize.


    His hand lifted.


    Just a few more steps, and he would reach it.


    He would know who he was.


    He would


    "That''s what the last guy said before he forgot himself."


    The voice cut through his mind like a blade, cold, hollow, and filled with cruel amusement.


    Yuan froze mid step.


    His body tensed, an uneasy chill creeping up his spine.


    Who¡­ who had spoken?


    His mind wavered, torn between the gentle, inviting whisper leading him forward and the sharp, urgent warning pulling him back.


    Who was telling the truth?


    The old man had said to follow the voices, to listen to the call of the door to find himself.


    And yet,this other voice, the one that now echoed in the back of his mind, was telling him the exact opposite.


    A sharp breath left his lips.


    He didn''t know who to trust.


    His gaze flickered between the glowing door ahead and the darkness behind him.


    His thoughts blurred, his own name slipping further away.


    "Who am I?"


    The question came unbidden, unfamiliar, as if spoken by someone else.


    "Where am I?"


    His vision swayed.


    "Why am I here?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The more he questioned, the clearer his mind became,but with clarity came pain.


    Pain.


    A sharp, splitting headache shot through his skull.


    Yuan staggered, clutching his head as a dull, throbbing ache pulsed inside his mind.


    The pain was so intense, so unbearable, that it shattered the haze clouding his thoughts.


    And suddenly


    He remembered.


    His eyes snapped open, wide with realization.


    The Mansion of Countless Tombs.


    His grandfather''s death.


    His escape into the Ghost Forest.


    His illness.


    The gentle voice was a lie.


    This place,these doors,they weren''t meant to help him remember.


    They were meant to make him forget.


    His eyes widened in shock.


    Memories crashed back like a flood, overwhelming his senses.


    Yes. That''s why he came here.


    To get rid of this terrible headache.


    And then, more memories rushed in.


    His father.


    His mother.


    Elliot, teaching him to read.


    The children in his village.


    His grandfather''s countless stories.


    His illness.


    His grandfather''s death.


    His escape into the Ghost Forest.


    And finally


    The Mansion of Countless Tombs.


    Everything clicked into place.


    The voice calling him forward was a lie.


    His body trembled, his breath ragged. His fingers curled into tight fists as he turned his gaze to the glowing door before him.


    This was a trap.


    A beautiful, honey-laced trap meant to erase him.


    His lips curled into a small, defiant smirk.


    He raised his head, his voice calm, clear, and unwavering.


    "I reject this door."


    His heart pounded in his chest, but his words carried unshakable resolve.


    "I already know who I am."


    His fingers trembled, but his voice did not falter.


    "I am Yuan."


    His chest tightened, but his determination burned brighter than ever.


    "I traveled to the Mansion of Countless Tombs to search for a cure for my illness. I have nearly lost myself in these illusions"


    He exhaled sharply, his vision clear.


    "But I have woken up from this hopeless dream."


    He lifted his hand


    And shattered the illusion.


    A loud crack echoed through the air.


    The hallway began to break apart,not like a collapsing structure, but like shattered glass, crumbling into pieces that dissolved into the void.


    The countless doors collapsed, returning to hundreds of stone tablets.


    The voices,those whispers that once called to him,let out a final, wretched wail before fading into silence.


    The illusion was gone.


    Yuan exhaled slowly, his body still shaking from the near loss of himself.


    He turned his gaze toward the stairs ahead.


    One step at a time, he ascended calmly, his footsteps silent against the stone.


    When Yuan reached the second floor, he saw no hallway, no doors, no illusions.


    Instead


    A figure floated in the air before him.


    It had two arms, a torso, and a head, resembling a human, but its form was not of flesh.


    Its body flickered like a pale blue flame, shifting and flowing, as though it barely held onto the shape of a man.


    It wore a fine azure robe, embroidered with black and yellow snake patterns, flowing as if moved by a wind Yuan could not feel.


    Yuan stared at the strange being in silence.


    Then, the ghost opened its eyes and the sharp, clear voice that had saved him spoke once more.


    A small smirk tugged at the ghost''s lips.


    "You almost lost yourself there. I just saved your life. You''re welcome."

 Azure Ghost

    Gazing at the silhouette of the azure ghost who had saved him from truly losing himself, Yuan felt a mix of emotions. After all, who wouldn''t? Standing before him wasn''t a human but a ghost-like being, an existence he had never encountered before.


    For a moment, he simply stared, his mind processing what had just happened. Then, taking a short breath, he spoke with sincerity, lowering his head slightly in gratitude.


    "Senior, this child must sincerely thank you for your help. But... how could Senior be in this lonely place?"


    Hearing Yuan''s probing question, the azure ghost let out a light chuckle.


    "Hehe... Child, there''s no need to test me with your words. If you wish to know, I can simply tell you who I am. But how ironic... to be so distrustful toward the very person who just saved your life! Do I need to prove that I mean no harm? Hehe... well, that isn''t much of a problem."


    The ghost''s tone was calm, yet there was a hint of amusement as it continued.


    "I am just a ghost, a spirit of a cultivator who failed a trial and is now trapped here, waiting for more fellow Daoists to challenge this cursed inheritance. Maybe... just maybe, one of my clansmen will come and set me free. Yes, that is who I am."


    Cursed inheritance? Spirit of a cultivator who failed a trial? One of my clans? Now trapped?


    So many new pieces of information struck Yuan at once. He lowered his gaze, touching his chin in thought.


    What is a cultivator? Is this place the cursed inheritance? How could someone who has already died still be trapped here?


    Again and again, he turned these thoughts over in his mind, yet no matter how much he tried to make sense of them, he found no answers. These were all words, all concepts, that he had never heard before.


    "Thought enough?"


    The ghost''s voice pulled Yuan back to reality. Embarrassed, he quickly looked back at the azure ghost and tried to explain himself.


    "Apologies, Senior! It''s just that... I don''t understand anything you are saying. I have never heard of cultivators, nor do I know where this inheritance is! I just" Yuan hesitated before finishing with admiration, "This child is truly impressed by Senior''s knowledge!"


    Hearing Yuan''s words, the azure ghost froze, staring at him in complete shock.


    "You don''t... know what a cultivator is? Or where we are?"


    The ghost''s tone had lost its amusement. It was no longer chuckling, no longer treating this as a lighthearted exchange. Instead, it fell silent for a long moment, as if struggling to process this revelation.


    Finally, after gathering itself, the ghost asked in a slow, cautious voice, "Could it be... that you are not someone who challenged this trial for the inheritance of the Crowned Ghost Prince?"


    "Crowned Ghost Prince?" Yuan repeated, tilting his head in confusion. "Never heard of him."


    Yuan blankly spoke the name,a name that was once feared across the cultivation world,shocking the azure ghost beyond belief. The ghost''s flames flickered as he processed Yuan''s words before finally asking,


    "Then why are you here if you don''t seek his inheritance?"


    Yuan exhaled sharply, frustration laced in his voice.


    "I don''t even know where I am! I was trying to escape the Ghost Forest and reach the Mansion of Countless Tombs, but I somehow ended up here instead! I know nothing about this so-called inheritance or the Crowned Ghost¡­ whatever! I just want to find the Mansion of Countless Tombs and uncover the secrets of those who defied fate!"


    Hearing Yuan''s outburst, the azure ghost gave him a strange look. Then, as if recalling something, he muttered,


    "The Mansion of Countless Tombs...? I think¡­ I''ve heard of that place before. Hmm¡­"


    For a moment, the ghost seemed lost in thought, his flickering form shifting slightly. Then, as if speaking the name aloud unlocked a buried memory, he suddenly gasped.


    "Ah! Now I remember! The Mansion of Countless Tombs... It did exist once. But that was long ago. This place,was once its foundation, its core. However, it was later discovered and overtaken by the Crowned Ghost Prince!"


    The ghost let out a cold chuckle.


    "So, boy¡­ congratulations. You''ve already reached your so-called ''destined goal.'' Only, this place is no longer what you were searching for. The Mansion of Countless Tombs no longer exists. What stands before you now is the Palace of Ghosts."


    Hearing this, Yuan felt his thoughts spiraling into chaos.


    The Mansion of Countless Tombs¡­ no longer exists?


    Shock hit him like a thunderclap. Everything he had endured,every pain, every near-death trial, every step forward,was for nothing?


    His hands clenched into trembling fists. If the Mansion was gone¡­ then how could he defy his fate?


    The azure ghost noticed the shifting expression on Yuan''s face, the way his body tensed, the slight tremble in his hands. His fiery eyes narrowed in thought.


    "Hmph¡­ judging by your face, I take it you were after something specific in the Mansion? Perhaps¡­ these so-called ''secrets'' of defying fate?"


    Yuan remained silent, his mind still struggling to process the revelation.


    The ghost chuckled, folding his arms across his spectral chest.


    "Tell me, boy¡­ you''re worried about defying fate? About these ''secrets'' you spoke of?"


    Yuan hesitated, then slowly nodded.


    The ghost smirked.


    "You don''t need to search for some ancient secret to defy fate. After all¡­" The flames surrounding his form flickered wildly as he continued, "Isn''t that exactly what cultivation is?"


    Yuan''s breath hitched. He looked at the ghost, his voice uncertain.


    "Defying fate¡­ is cultivation?"


    The azure ghost let out a small chuckle, a knowing glint in his fiery gaze.


    "Yes. If there''s one definition that fits us cultivators, it''s that we go against fate. We live longer than ordinary mortals. We break past the limits of our bodies. We grow stronger beyond what was intended. The heavens gave us a lifespan of 100 years, and yet, we refuse to accept it. We cultivate. We defy this fate and forge our own path!"


    He took a step forward, his form growing sharper, his voice filled with undeniable conviction.


    "Let me tell you more about the wonders of cultivation. But before that¡­"


    His smirk faded, replaced with a rare, serious expression.


    "I must warn you."


    The air around them grew heavier. The flickering flames along the walls dimmed, casting long shadows over Yuan''s face.


    "Cultivation is not something you can do half-heartedly. It must come from the depths of your soul, from your very existence. To cultivate is to walk an endless path,one filled with sleepless nights, grueling years, and bitter failures. There will be times when you struggle for decades, only to face death at the doorstep of a breakthrough. You may dedicate everything¡­ only to fail in the end."


    The ghost''s fiery eyes bored into Yuan''s own, as if peering into his very soul.


    "So, tell me, boy¡­


    Are you truly ready to walk this path? To dedicate your life to cultivation, even if it means spending countless years striving for power, for freedom¡­ knowing you may die trying?"


    "Tell me¡­ would you regret it?"


    As the azure ghost began to preach about cultivation, the world around him began to shift, reflecting his words.


    The once,dark space,where only an azure flame and a young boy stood,suddenly lit up with a myriad of lights, all radiating from the ghost''s spectral form. These lights flickered and danced, illuminating the void¡­ but in their brilliance, they cast an even deeper shadow, one that Yuan could not comprehend.


    Buffeted by the ethereal glow, Yuan found himself drawn toward a single light among the many. Something about it called to him.


    Something told him that this light held his fate.


    Without a second thought, he ran toward it.


    But as he did, the light moved away, as if fleeing from his grasp,as if it feared what would happen should it fall into his hands.


    Yet Yuan did not stop. He did not hesitate.


    He reached out with all his might and


    He grabbed it.


    Slowly, the light dimmed, its radiance fading as it settled within his grasp.


    Taking a deep breath, Yuan slowly opened his hand,his gaze locking onto something unlike anything he had ever seen before.


    It was small, yet perfectly shaped.


    A knife.


    No¡­ it was too small for a knife.


    It was green, its handle crafted from a material that felt both warm and cold at the same time, sending a strange sensation through his palm. A few black serpents coiled around the hilt, their bodies carved with unsettling precision,or so he thought.


    Because then, he noticed something.


    Their eyes were moving.


    Not just moving¡­ but looking somewhere.


    Not at him.


    At something beyond him,as if guiding him toward something unseen.


    Yuan''s blood ran cold.


    With a shudder, he let out a startled yell and dropped the knife, stepping back in fear.


    His breath quickened, his heart pounding against his chest.


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    Laughter.


    Loud. Deep. Amused.


    It echoed from behind him.


    Yuan spun around.


    There, standing where he had been moments ago, was the azure ghost.


    But something had changed.


    It was smaller now,its once looming form now no larger than Yuan''s arm.


    Yet, despite its reduced size, its smile had only grown wider.


    Seeing Yuan''s shock fade into wary confusion, the azure ghost let out another chuckle before speaking.


    "So¡­ now that you''ve glimpsed the mysteries of this world, tell me


    Do you wish to walk the path of cultivation?"


    Its voice deepened, filled with undeniable weight.


    "Do you wish to pursue the Great Dao? To seek eternal life, power, and freedom,knowing that you may die trying?"


    The ghost''s fiery eyes bore into Yuan''s soul as it took another step forward.


    "Or do you reject this path entirely?"


    It spread its arms wide.


    "Answer me! Tell me, child


    What do you truly desire?"


    "Walk the path of the Great Dao¡­?"


    His voice trembled.


    "What¡­ do I want?"


    "What do I truly desire?"


    The ghost''s flame-like body flickered, its voice pressing further into Yuan''s mind.


    "Yes, Yuan! Say it! Say what you truly desire!"


    The words pulsed like a heartbeat inside his skull.


    Yuan''s lips parted, and in a voice barely above a whisper, he answered.


    "I¡­ I want to survive."


    Silence.


    Then


    "You want only to survive?"


    The ghost''s voice was neither amused nor mocking. It was simply¡­ questioning.


    "Is that truly the extent of your desire?"


    Yuan froze.


    A thought struck him.


    "Is¡­ is that really all I want?"


    "Just to survive?"


    "Is that my only desire?"


    He clenched his fists.


    No.


    That wasn''t the truth.


    That was never the truth.


    The voice echoed endlessly in his mind.


    "Say it, Yuan! What do you truly desire?"


    The weight of the words pressed down on him, forcing him to confront himself.


    Yuan gritted his teeth, his hands clenching into fists. What did he want?


    For so long, he had only thought about survival, about escaping his inevitable death. But now¡­ now he understood.


    Surviving wasn''t enough.


    He didn''t just want to live,he wanted to experience.


    His mind filled with visions.


    A sky, vast and endless, free from mist.


    Mountains so high, their peaks pierced the heavens.


    A great ocean, stretching beyond the horizon, its waves crashing against the land.


    He imagined standing above the clouds, looking down on the world from beyond mortal reach.


    His body shuddered.


    It wasn''t enough to dream.


    He wanted to see it all with his own eyes.


    A fire ignited in his chest, burning away the hesitation, the doubts, the weakness.


    Yuan lifted his head, his gaze unwavering.


    "What I truly want¡­"


    His voice started as a whisper, but with each word, it grew stronger.


    "I want to walk the world. To see the places my grandfather once spoke of. To witness a crystal-clear sky without mist. To gaze upon mountains so vast that I cannot comprehend their size. To stand before an endless ocean and taste the salt in the wind."


    His breathing was steady, his heart pounding with unshakable resolve.


    "I want to leave this Ghost Forest. To leave the village. To see the real sky, the real mountains, the real world. I don''t want to imagine anymore. I want to live it!"


    His fists tightened, his voice ringing with mad determination.


    "And beyond that,I want to see what lies above the clouds! I want to witness what only the heavens themselves have seen!"


    Yuan''s words echoed through the darkness, ringing with absolute certainty.


    The voice did not laugh this time.


    There were no more echoes,no more illusions.


    Only a cold, absolute truth.


    "Then you know what you must do."


    Yuan took a slow breath, the last of his hesitation crumbling into nothingness.


    "Yes¡­ now, everything is clear."


    His gaze hardened, filled with a new fire that could never be extinguished.


    "I now understand how to defy fate. To defy fate¡­ one must face the heavens. And to face the heavens, I must become powerful,strong enough to break free from their grasp!"


    Silence.


    The world itself seemed to hold its breath.


    Then, with absolute conviction, Yuan declared his path to the heavens.


    "I will walk the path of the Great Dao!"


    "The path toward power and freedom!"


    "I will not regret it. And I will gladly die trying!"


    "Yes,I will cultivate!"


    "I will rise to great power and break free from the chains of fate!"


    His voice thundered through the void.


    The world began to shift.


    As his words filled the emptiness, the darkness that once blinded him peeled away.


    Light rushed in.


    The once,shadowed hall now appeared before him in radiant clarity,the details sharper, the colors more vivid, as though he had been blind his entire life and was only now able to see.


    "So many lights..."


    Yuan''s breath hitched as he gazed at the spectacle before him.


    Countless glowing orbs floated in the air, flickering like tiny stars, shifting through endless colors and shapes, spinning slowly as if dancing through the space before him.


    Without thinking, he reached out.


    One of the lights descended into his palm, hovering gently just above his skin.


    It twisted, changing shapes, shifting hues, as if alive,a toy of the heavens themselves.


    A wide smile broke across his young face.


    For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Yuan looked like a real ten year old child, filled with pure wonder.


    His admiration was interrupted by a familiar voice behind him.


    "Congratulations."


    Yuan froze.


    He knew that voice.


    The azure ghost chuckled.


    "You have taken your first step on the path of the Great Dao. From this moment forward... you are now a cultivator."

 Royal Keys

    "Congratulations," said the Azure Ghost.


    Yuan closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then slowly opened them. His gaze turned sharp as he looked at the Azure Ghost with suspicion.


    "What just happened? Why did I suddenly begin questioning my own desires? Was that truly my own voice¡­ or was it yours? I can''t tell. Senior, it would be kind of you to clear this child''s doubts with your wisdom."


    Chuckling, the Azure Ghost spoke in an amused tone.


    "What happened, you ask? That is something I can easily answer. You have just undergone the second trial of this inheritance stage."


    He paused for a moment before continuing.


    "The first trial was meant to ensure that you would never lose yourself. But to be honest, you only passed that one because I stepped in and saved you."


    His flickering gaze studied Yuan before he let out a knowing sigh.


    "Now that I know you haven''t even begun cultivating, everything makes sense. After all, these trials were designed for cultivators. That you managed to arrive here, without the guidance of a sect or a powerful cultivator opening the way for you, is already a miracle in itself."


    The ghost''s voice turned more serious as he explained further.


    "This second trial, however, is something special. To most cultivators, it wouldn''t even make sense, as it is not a trial in the traditional sense,it is an examination of one''s own path, a test to ensure you do not walk in the wrong direction."


    The ghost''s flames flickered as he smirked.


    "But this illusion is not without its rewards. Because it assesses the path you have chosen to walk, it grants a reward accordingly. However, the choice of the reward is yours to make first."


    His smirk deepened, his tone turning ominous.


    "The greater the reward you seek, the harsher the trial that follows. If you are not worthy of the reward you desire, you will fail¡­ and be swallowed by the darkness forever."


    "So¡­ I have truly become a cultivator, Senior?" Yuan asked, his voice calm and composed.


    "Hehe, yes. You have cleansed your eyes, allowing you to see the spiritual energy of the world. The light floating above your palm,that is spiritual energy. Isn''t it beautiful?" The Azure Ghost chuckled, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.


    Yuan gazed at the shimmering energy in his palm, his dark eyes reflecting its soft glow.


    "Yes, indeed, Senior. This light is truly beautiful." He paused before asking in a curious tone, "But¡­ what exactly is cultivation?"


    The Azure Ghost let out a deep chuckle before shaking his head.


    "What is cultivation? That is the wrong question to ask,or rather, it is not properly worded." His flickering form wavered slightly as he continued. "Cultivation is many things, but at its core, it is power. It grants both strength and understanding. There exist countless definitions of cultivation, but for you, a simple one will suffice."


    His voice grew firmer.


    "You wish to defy fate, don''t you? Power will grant you the strength to do so. However, the further you cultivate, the more you must understand,not only your own power, but also the world itself."


    He paused, letting his words settle before continuing.


    "Now, you may be wondering, how does one even become powerful? At the beginning,at the Mortal Awakening Stage,you will be only slightly stronger than a normal mortal. But the higher you ascend, the stronger you will become. With enough cultivation, you will even be able to control spiritual energy, and in time¡­ cast spells. But for now, that is merely a distant dream."


    Yuan listened intently as the ghost went on.


    "For now, what you need to know are the most important stages of cultivation. The stage you are currently in is called the Mortal Awakening Stage. As I said before, here you cleanse your five senses Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, and Touch,to perceive and interact with spiritual energy."


    The ghost''s voice carried a hint of amusement as he continued his explanation.


    "After this comes the Purification of Blood Stage, followed by the Meridians Awakening Stage. The final important one for you to know now is the Bone Fusion Stage. Everything beyond that is far too distant for you to even comprehend at your current level."


    His flames flickered, and he smirked.


    "However¡­ since I am in a generous mood, I will tell you about the next stage after Bone Fusion. It is called the Marrow Essence Stage. The higher your cultivation, the stronger you become. But for now, you stand at the very bottom of the path, at the very first step."


    He gave Yuan a knowing look.


    "But do not be discouraged. Every cultivator, no matter how powerful, once started at the Mortal Awakening Stage,just like you."


    So many things¡­ Yuan didn''t know what to say other than, "Amazing."


    Yes, that was the only word Yuan could voice aloud. He was completely captivated by the beauty of cultivation. And the more he listened to the Azure Ghost, the more certain he became that stepping onto the path of the Great Dao was the right choice.


    Once more, Yuan turned his gaze toward the beautiful and mysterious spiritual energy,now knowing what it truly was. But after admiring it for a moment, he shifted his focus back to the Azure Ghost and asked,


    "Then, Senior, how is it that I became a cultivator?"


    "Hehe, that is quite easy to explain. The reward you chose was rather special¡­ in fact, it was unique in its own way."


    The Azure Ghost chuckled before lifting a portion of his flickering, flame-like body and directing a small wisp of azure fire toward the fallen small green knife. The blade, seemingly responding to the energy, slowly floated up and drifted toward them until it reached the small hands of the Azure Ghost, who now held it firmly.


    "This is called the Royal Key of Ghosts. Hehe¡­ and this little thing may prove to be very useful in the future, as it is a key to the Royal Chamber of the Crowned Ghost Prince, kid."


    The ghost''s voice carried an amused yet knowing tone.


    "But aside from that, the trial of this Royal Key is unique, as I mentioned before. After overcoming the True Self Trial, a portion of the Crowned Ghost Prince''s spiritual energy was sealed within it to aid its next wielder in stabilizing their cultivation. According to one of the past holders of these Royal Keys, the trial was designed this way to prevent cultivators from succumbing to inner demons after facing it."


    His flaming eyes flickered as he smirked.


    "However, in your case, something unusual happened. Instead of stabilizing an already-existing cultivation base, the energy within the key began cleansing your sight¡ªand as I can tell, you are already close to cleansing your hearing as well. That must be why you have stepped into the Mortal Awakening Stage."


    He let out a small chuckle before giving Yuan a meaningful look.


    "Consider yourself lucky, boy. Very few people receive such a smooth start to their cultivation journey."


    Looking toward the Azure Ghost''s hands, Yuan focused on the small green key and asked curiously, "Senior, you mentioned that there were more of these Royal Keys? What other keys exist?"


    The Azure Ghost chuckled. "Oh, you''re curious about the other keys, huh? Well, I know of three others besides yours. The first is the Red Royal Key, then there''s the Blue Royal Key, and lastly, the Black Royal Key."


    His flaming eyes flickered with amusement as he continued, "The people who held these keys were from some of the peak-tier Clans and Sects. If I remember correctly, they were the Royal Abyss Clan, the Blue Star Sect, and the Vermilion Dragon Court. At the time, there were rumors that each key had a corresponding Royal Chamber,one dedicated to cultivation, one for weapons, and one for spells and martial arts. But of course, none of those big shots ever confirmed it publicly."


    The Azure Ghost then smirked, his voice brimming with excitement. "But now that you hold the Green Royal Key of Ghosts¡­ this could be a huge opportunity! A chance for a much smoother cultivation journey! If you manage to reach the end of this inheritance, you may even get the chance to step into the Meridian Awakening Stage! Wouldn''t that be something?"


    "Reaching the Meridian Awakening Stage¡­" Yuan muttered the words under his breath before taking a deep breath. It was too much to think about all at once. His mind drifted into fantasy,imagining all the things he could do as a Meridian Awakened cultivator. The power, the possibilities...


    But then, snapping himself out of his daydreams, Yuan clenched his fists and declared with determination, "Enough of dreaming! I, Yuan, will definitely become a Meridian Awakened cultivator! And to do that, I must reach this Royal Chamber! Let''s go!"


    Without any hesitation, his gaze sharpened with resolve.


    Yuan then turned toward the Azure Ghost, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Where is the next trial?"


    The Azure Ghost let out a small laugh at Yuan''s enthusiasm. "Heh, eager now, are we? Come, I''ll guide you there!"


    And so, without further delay, the human and the ghost set off toward the third trial.


    After some time, they arrived at a winding staircase that led to the next floor. Yuan stepped forward without hesitation, his thoughts consumed entirely by the Royal Chamber. He didn''t even consider what kind of trial awaited him next,his mind was filled only with visions of treasures and the endless potential that lay ahead.


    Silently, he followed behind the small Azure Ghost, his heart pounding with anticipation.


    Entering the next floor, Yuan instinctively looked toward the exit. But as his eyes adjusted to his surroundings, he realized something was wrong.


    The Azure Ghost was gone.


    A sudden emptiness surrounded him, the lingering warmth of its presence now replaced with a heavy silence.


    Floating near him, untouched by gravity, was the Green Royal Key.


    Yuan frowned in confusion. What just happened?


    His first instinct was to grasp the key, tucking it safely into his pouch. But as he turned his gaze forward,he froze.


    His breath hitched.


    A cold shiver ran down his spine.


    Not the kind of unease he had felt in the Dreadful Green Forest, where his instincts screamed of lurking dangers. No.


    This fear was different.


    It was the kind of terror that came when faced with something beyond comprehension.


    The kind of fear that came when you realized,you had no control.


    Before him stood a black bear, but it was unlike anything he had ever seen.


    Massive. Four meters tall. A walking nightmare.


    Its thick, jet-black fur seemed to devour the dim light, making it look like a living shadow, a beast pulled from the depths of a forgotten legend. It exuded nothing but raw, unrelenting menace.


    Its shoulders were broad, its limbs rippling with monstrous muscle. Every step it took sent tremors through the ground, a testament to the sheer weight of its existence.


    And then there were the horns.


    Short, jagged protrusions jutted from its skull, looking as if they had been carved from obsidian. But the worst part wasn''t their appearance. It was the crackling energy coursing through them,an ominous power waiting to be unleashed.


    The beast''s breath was visible, a dark mist escaping its maw with every slow exhale, as if the very air around it was rejecting its presence. Its cold, piercing eyes locked onto Yuan¡ªunblinking, calculating.


    A predator.


    A beast that knew it was superior.


    Yuan''s body stiffened. His hands clenched into trembling fists, his breath ragged. Is this how I die?


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    A whisper.


    Soft, carried by the wind, yet unmistakable.


    A voice he had already grown familiar with.


    "Hehe¡­ Don''t worry, child. I am here."


    The Azure Ghost.


    Yuan''s heart, still pounding in terror, steadied,just a little.

 Shadow Horned Bear

    "ROAR!"


    A thunderous, wind-splitting roar erupted through the air, shaking the very foundation of the cavern. Yuan instinctively raised his arms to shield his face as the force of the soundwave sent a violent gust of wind toward him. The sheer volume was deafening, reverberating through his bones.


    Before he could even process what was happening, a sharp, urgent cry echoed in his ears.


    "Run!"


    Without hesitation, Yuan obeyed, his small legs carrying him forward in a desperate sprint.


    As he ran, the Azure Ghost''s voice, hurried yet calm, whispered directly into his mind.


    "This is a demon beast of the lowest rank, a Shadow Horned Bear. It is a lesser sub-species of true shadow demon beasts. While it is slow, its strength is overwhelming. One strike from it, and you''ll be torn in two."


    Yuan''s breath hitched, his heartbeat hammering against his ribs.


    "Do not worry," the Azure Ghost continued, "Shadow Horned Bears despise the light. Their only means of movement is through shadows. They leap between them, striking from the darkness itself. Avoid the shade, and you may survive!"


    The words barely registered before a massive boom erupted behind him.


    "BANG!"


    "BANG!"


    "BANG!"


    Heavy, earth-shaking footsteps followed, each impact sending tremors through the ground. The world around Yuan began to shift, the suffocating darkness giving way to the dim illumination of a long cave passage. He had no time to take in the details,his focus was locked on one thing.


    The exit.


    At the far end of the cavern, a large beam of light shone through a narrow opening, a stark contrast to the abyss around him.


    ¡äDidn''t the Senior say that this beast fears the light?¡ä Yuan thought, a glimmer of hope igniting within him.


    His eyes widened. That was it! If he could just reach the light, the Shadow Horned Bear wouldn''t be able to follow!


    With renewed determination, Yuan pushed himself harder, sprinting toward the light.


    But the beast wasn''t going to let him escape so easily.


    A deep, guttural growl rumbled behind him, the shadows at the edges of the cavern shifting unnaturally.


    And then


    "SHHHHK!"


    The shadows around him morphed, stretching into jagged spikes before launching toward him at terrifying speed!


    "Child, move in a zigzag pattern! It''s attacking your shadow!" the Azure Ghost''s voice rang in his mind.


    Yuan hesitated, confusion flashing through his thoughts. Attacking¡­ my shadow?


    His body tensed as an unnatural chill crawled down his spine. Before he could dwell on it, an ominous sensation flooded his being,danger.


    "MOVE!"


    Without thinking, he shifted his path, darting to the side just as a spear-like shadow struck the ground where he had been moments before.


    "BANG!"


    His pupils shrank. If he had kept running in a straight line¡­ he would be dead.


    Swallowing his fear, Yuan followed the Azure Ghost''s instructions, weaving erratically through the cavern, ever-changing, never predictable.


    The Shadow Horned Bear roared in frustration, its attacks missing their mark over and over. More shadow spikes erupted from the darkness, but Yuan dodged them each time, guided by the calm, precise commands of the Azure Ghost.


    "Go right!"


    Yuan leaped right.


    "Go left!"


    He twisted his body, narrowly avoiding another lethal strike.


    The once dreaded beast, terrifying in its stillness, now howled in unrestrained fury. The calm, methodical hunter had devolved into a wild, raging monster. It lashed out wildly, driven mad by its prey''s continued survival.


    The ground trembled as it stopped.


    No more attacks. No more movement.


    Only its deep, rumbling growls echoed in the cavern.


    Yuan slowed slightly, his mind racing. Did it give up?


    Doubt seeped into his thoughts. His gaze flickered toward the light,just a few meters away.


    Almost there¡­


    And then


    "ROOOOOAAAARRR!"


    A monstrous, bloodcurdling roar erupted behind him, far more terrifying than anything before.


    The very air trembled as the darkness itself shifted.


    A malevolent force rippled through the cavern, the shadows deepening into a grotesque crimson hue. The black cave walls pulsed as if alive, the shadows coiling like tendrils of living nightmares.


    The bear had gone mad.


    Manifesting pure rage and bloodlust, the beast''s presence alone distorted reality. The cavern seemed to warp, the very shadows bending to its will, concentrating into a single devastating attack.


    Yuan''s stomach dropped.


    I need to reach the light. NOW!


    He was already mid-step when


    "DODGE!"


    The Azure Ghost''s warning came not in words, but as a thunderous command that rattled Yuan''s very soul.


    His body moved before his mind could even process the danger.


    SLAASHH!


    A blade of pure, condensed shadow and blood-red malice cleaved through the air with terrifying speed.


    It was unlike anything before. This wasn''t a mere spike,this was an execution.


    Yuan''s body barely twisted in time, the deadly arc of darkness slicing clean through the space he had occupied mere milliseconds before. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A sharp, burning pain erupted in his leg.


    Blood sprayed.


    The force of the attack sent him hurling forward, his body crashing onto the cold stone floor. He rolled,once, twice,until finally, his body crossed into the blinding light.


    For a moment, all was silent.


    Then


    "ROOOOOAAAARRRRR!"


    A deafening, soul rending bellow shook the cavern walls.


    The Shadow Horned Bear stopped just at the threshold of light, its form trembling violently as it clawed at the ground in frustration. Its demonic red eyes burned with unfulfilled rage.


    It couldn''t step forward.


    It couldn''t reach him.


    Yuan gasped for breath, his body shaking uncontrollably. His vision blurred from exhaustion and pain, but he forced himself to look down.


    A deep cut ran along his calf, crimson blood dripping onto the cold stone. It wasn''t life threatening¡­ but it would make moving painful.


    Still¡­


    He was alive.


    As the burning sunlight bathed his body, Yuan exhaled shakily, his heart still hammering in his chest.


    From behind him, the Azure Ghost chuckled.


    "Hehe¡­ Well done, child."


    Yuan turned his head slightly, his expression both exhausted and incredulous.


    "That¡­ was an infant?"


    The ghost''s laughter only grew.


    "Oh, yes. That was merely a cub."


    Yuan''s breath hitched.


    If this was just an infant¡­


    Then what kind of monsters awaited him deeper inside this cursed inheritance?


    Feeling the searing pain in his leg, Yuan collapsed onto the ground. For the first time in his life, he experienced such an excruciating and unfamiliar sensation. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to glance back at the Shadow Horned Bear.


    The monstrous beast stood just five meters away, its hulking form looming in the dim cavern. Yet¡­ it did not move.


    Instead, it let out a series of deep, guttural growls, its massive chest rising and falling with barely contained fury.


    Yuan''s breath hitched as he locked eyes with the beast¡ªtwo abyssal pools of madness and wrath. A deep, primal fear crept into his bones, his body refusing to move as though bound by the sheer intensity of its gaze.


    A calm, amused voice echoed beside him.


    "Hehe¡­ Child, you have survived this deadly encounter. Congratulations."


    The familiar sound of the Azure Ghost pulled Yuan out of his trance. Blinking rapidly, he tore his gaze away from the Shadow Horned Bear and let out a deep, shaky breath of relief.


    "You don''t need to worry about that demon beast anymore," the ghost continued. "It cannot step into the light. It will not chase you further."


    Hearing those words, Yuan finally allowed himself to breathe.


    But before he could fully process his relief, the Azure Ghost''s voice took on a sharp edge.


    "What are you planning to do? Sit here and wait until nightfall? Do you want it to hunt you down once the darkness returns, turning you into its next meal?"


    Yuan swallowed hard at the thought.


    Shaking off his lingering fear, he forced himself to move. His injured leg throbbed painfully, but he ignored it. Reaching down, he tore off a strip of fabric from his robe and hastily tied it around the wound. The makeshift bandage wasn''t perfect, but it would have to do.


    With slow, careful steps, Yuan began walking away from the beast.


    It was only as he distanced himself from the danger that the weight of the past few minutes truly hit him.


    I dodged its attacks¡­ I outran a demon beast¡­


    All of it had happened in the span of mere moments.


    In just five minutes, he had come face to face with death more times than he could count. Had the Azure Ghost not warned him in time¡­ had he been a fraction of a second slower in dodging that last attack¡­


    A cold chill ran down his spine.


    "So close," Yuan muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible.


    The Azure Ghost, of course, heard him and let out a small chuckle.


    "Hehe¡­ Well, whether it was close or not doesn''t matter now. You survived. That''s all that matters."


    Yuan exhaled, a weak smile tugging at his lips. Yes¡­ he survived.


    As he regained his composure, the ghost''s azure flames flickered back to life, his ethereal form taking shape beside Yuan once more. The Green Royal Key floated in his spectral hand, its glow casting eerie shadows on the cave walls.


    Draped in his flowing blue robes adorned with black and yellow patterns, the Azure Ghost gave off an aura of quiet authority.


    "You don''t have to worry about the trial anymore," he continued. "It has already ended. The moment I could take form again, it meant the trial was complete."


    Hearing this, Yuan let out a relieved sigh.


    "But still¡­ I didn''t expect the trial to be this dangerous," the ghost admitted, his gaze flickering toward the Shadow Horned Bear. "I knew it would be difficult, but I never imagined you would encounter such a rare breed¡­"


    He shook his head before turning back to Yuan.


    "Regardless, we have now reached the end of the third floor. Rest here. I will heal your wound."


    Yuan blinked in surprise.


    "Heal¡­ my wound? Senior, you can heal me?"


    The ghost let out an amused chuckle.


    "Hehe¡­ Of course. Your injury isn''t serious, child. Even though I am only a spirit now, if I were still in my true form, I wouldn''t even die if my heart were pierced."


    Yuan''s eyes widened.


    "Survive even with a pierced heart? How is that possible?"


    The Azure Ghost smirked.


    "When your cultivation is high enough, such things become trivial."


    With that, he raised a single finger wreathed in azure energy and flicked it toward Yuan''s wounded leg.


    The energy drifted forward like a dancing wisp, sinking into Yuan''s wound.


    A wave of soothing warmth spread through his limb, the searing pain dulling instantly before fading altogether. The energy pulsed, working its way into his flesh, knitting the torn skin together as if time itself were reversing.


    Within moments, the pain ceased to exist.


    Yuan stared at his leg in shock, then looked up at the Azure Ghost.


    "Hehe¡­ magical, isn''t it?" the ghost said with a smirk, his tone laced with amusement.


    Before Yuan could respond, something shifted in the light-filled chamber they stood in.


    From the far side of the room, a grand staircase emerged, spiraling upward into the unknown.


    Seeing this, Yuan straightened his back, his resolve rekindled.


    "Let''s go!"


    But just as he was about to take a step forward, the Azure Ghost stopped him with a firm voice.


    "Don''t be reckless. Rest first."


    Yuan hesitated.


    "But"


    "But nothing!" the ghost interrupted. "This next trial was extremely challenging even for me. You need to recover before facing it."


    His tone left no room for argument.


    Yuan opened his mouth, but no words came out. In the end, he reluctantly nodded.


    For the first time since stepping into this place¡­


    Since escaping the Ghost Forest¡­


    Since enduring near-death encounters¡­


    Yuan finally allowed himself to rest.


    He leaned back against the cold stone floor, closing his eyes.


    Within moments, exhaustion overtook him.


    And for the first time in what felt like forever¡­


    He slept.

 Azure Dragon Steps

    "Wakey, wakey, little sleeping beauty! The morning has arrived! It''s time to wake up and face the challenges of today. Hehehe."


    A playful voice echoed in Yuan''s ears as he slept. The tone carried a hint of amusement, teasing him awake.


    Still half-asleep, Yuan groaned softly, humming lazily as he tried to bury himself deeper into sleep. But before he could drift off again, the once amused voice returned,only this time, its tone was far less pleasant.


    "Wake up, brat. We don''t have all the time under the heavens¡­ or perhaps we do. But if you insist on sleeping, be prepared to face the consequences."


    The moment those cold, ruthless words reached Yuan''s ears, an icy dread crept up his spine. His body tensed instinctively, and he jolted upright, his once drowsy mind now fully awake.


    Blinking rapidly, he looked up at the Azure Ghost. Then, realizing he had likely angered his senior, he quickly bowed his head and saluted, his voice filled with sincere respect.


    "Good morning, Senior! This child has been careless and angered you. Please be patient with this one!"


    The Azure Ghost chuckled, clearly amused by Yuan''s reaction. Waving his hand dismissively, he let out a lighthearted laugh.


    "Angered? Hardly. I simply wanted to wake you up, and I succeeded. That''s all there is to it. Now then, let''s move on,there is much to do before we face the next trial!"


    Hearing that they had other matters to attend to before the trial, Yuan tilted his head in confusion.


    "Senior, what other things must we do?" he asked, curiosity shining in his eyes.


    The Azure Ghost smirked, his voice carrying an air of authority.


    "Oh, nothing too difficult,just ensuring that you don''t meet an untimely end the moment you step into the next trial. You see, the next trial is always focused on either combat or survival. You might have to flee from a powerful beast, battle one directly, or survive in an environment teeming with monsters. The problem is¡­" The ghost''s smirk deepened. "You are far too weak."


    Yuan''s excitement dimmed slightly at those words, but the Azure Ghost continued.


    "Right now, you are helpless in the face of true power. If you encounter a beast beyond your strength, no plan in the world will save you. Against absolute power, cleverness alone is useless. That''s why before we move on, we need to fix that weakness of yours."


    Hearing those words, Yuan''s earlier confusion was replaced with excitement.


    "Senior! Does that mean¡­ I will become stronger?" he asked, his eyes lighting up with anticipation.


    The Azure Ghost let out a knowing chuckle.


    "Hehe, look at you. The moment I mention training, your excitement flares up instantly. Well, I was the same when I first learned my first martial technique." The ghost''s expression turned thoughtful. "However, we don''t have much time for true training. I can''t teach you fist or sword techniques,fist techniques require time to temper the body, and you don''t have a sword to practice with. Even if we tried using the Green Royal Key as a weapon, it wouldn''t work."


    The ghost folded his arms before continuing.


    "So instead, we will focus on something far more important,fleeing. Running away is the most crucial skill for survival. No matter how strong an opponent is, if you can escape, you live to fight another day. And as luck would have it, you have encountered me, a master of survival."


    The Azure Ghost''s tone shifted to one of pride and arrogance, his azure flames flickering like an amused grin.


    "Heaven itself must have blessed you, child. Because under my guidance, you will learn the finest methods of survival,methods that have saved me from countless life and death situations. By the time I''m done with you, no beast, no cultivator, and no force in this world will be able to catch you easily!"


    "Heh, disappointed, aren''t we?" The Azure Ghost chuckled, a mischievous glint flickering in his spectral eyes. "Hehehe¡­ You think fleeing is weak? Let me tell you a little story, boy."


    His voice grew lower, his tone filled with dark amusement.


    "Once, I found myself surrounded by ten cultivators, all stronger than me at the time. They thought they had me cornered. In the end, only six of them walked away."


    He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.


    "Yes, I killed four of them¡­ and used that opportunity to escape."


    Yuan''s breath hitched. Four? Against ten opponents stronger than him?


    The Azure Ghost''s flames flickered as he continued.


    "Do you want to know how I did it?"


    His grin widened.


    "I laid traps. Everywhere. These arrogant fools were so sure of their victory, they didn''t even consider the possibility of a scheme. One of them fell first,dead in an instant. The others? They were enraged, blinded by fury, rushing toward me like wild beasts."


    His flickering form crackled as he relived the moment.


    "But, do you know what happened next? Just when they thought they had me cornered,I had something prepared."


    The Azure Ghost laughed, his amusement growing.


    "Hehe¡­ I lured them into a perfect trap! They were so focused on me, so obsessed with revenge, that they failed to notice what lay ahead. In their moment of hesitation,I struck."


    He raised a hand, mimicking the motion of a deadly blow.


    "Three more fell. Their corpses still warm. But I didn''t stay to enjoy the moment,I had no reason to. Because while I escaped, they had much bigger problems than me. You see, in my desperation, I had guided them toward something far worse than death¡­


    A slow, eerie chuckle escaped his lips.


    "A Demonic Beast."


    Yuan''s body stiffened.


    The Azure Ghost leaned in slightly.


    "A beast so powerful it could erase them with a single swing. While they panicked, I ran. But that wasn''t all¡­ I had made sure of something."


    He smirked.


    "I left behind a treasure,one rare enough to tempt both man and beast alike. You see, this particular treasure gave off a scent irresistible to both cultivators and Demonic Beasts."


    Yuan''s eyes widened as realization dawned.


    "They didn''t just have to fight the beast¡­ they had to fight their own greed."


    The Azure Ghost laughed again, shaking his head.


    "In the end, I don''t know how many survived. But I do know one thing¡­ I was long gone by then."


    Yuan was stunned.


    A single man, outnumbered and outmatched, not only survived but slaughtered four of his pursuers and left the rest to their doom?


    It was beyond shocking,it was terrifying.


    And the Azure Ghost wasn''t done yet.


    "Hehe, now, boy, do you want to know the key to my escape?"


    Yuan swallowed hard, then nodded.


    The Azure Ghost''s flames flared proudly.


    "I used a very special technique. A movement technique unlike any other,one that I created myself!"


    He stretched out a hand, his form flickering with excitement.


    "This technique is called Azure Dragon Steps. A unique art crafted by none other than me! It is a movement technique that allows for absolute speed and deception. And the best part? Even without purified blood or spiritual energy, the first step can still be used!"


    Yuan''s heart pounded as the Azure Ghost spoke the name of the first step.


    "The first step,Wingless Dragon!"


    "Azure Dragon Steps, first step,Wingless Dragon¡­"


    Repeating the words of the Azure Ghost, Yuan felt a surge of excitement flood his mind. A technique with "Dragon" in its name,how could he not be fascinated by it?


    Seeing Yuan''s eager expression, the Azure Ghost''s mood visibly improved. His flickering form crackled with energy, and his voice carried a hint of pride.


    "But that''s just the beginning! The first step is merely a foundation. The real brilliance of this technique lies in its later steps!"


    His azure flames flared, his voice filled with conviction.


    "The second step,Bone Dragon Step! The third,Illusioned Dragon Step! The fourth,Winged Dragon Step! And finally, the fifth and last step,True Dragon Step!" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Each name carried a weight, a promise of unfathomable speed and power. Yuan''s breath hitched as the Azure Ghost continued.


    "Each step surpasses the last. If you master this technique completely and can execute the True Dragon Step, you will move with the speed of a dragon itself!"


    The ghost paused, his tone deepening.


    "But what truly makes the Azure Dragon Steps unique is its adaptability. This technique is crafted in a way that allows the user to utilize external spiritual energy,through spirit stones or other sources,rather than relying solely on their own."


    Yuan''s eyes widened.


    "Of course," the ghost continued, "the higher the step, the greater the price. The Bone Dragon Step alone demands an immense amount of energy, making it nearly impossible to sustain for long. But it is possible."


    The ghost''s flames flickered, a knowing grin spreading across his face.


    "Now, you might be wondering¡­ if we don''t have spirit stones or access to a stable energy source, why am I even teaching you this?"


    He chuckled.


    "Well, normally, I could grant you temporary spiritual energy to practice, but that energy would vanish the moment the fourth trial begins. However¡­" The ghost raised a flickering hand, revealing a familiar object.


    "The heavens have favored us, for we have the Green Royal Key."


    Yuan''s excitement surged.


    "The Green Royal Key isn''t just a key to the Royal Chamber of the Crowned Ghost Prince. It still holds a small amount of spiritual energy,energy that wasn''t fully used when cleansing your senses. And that, my young friend, means you can use the Azure Dragon Steps!"


    The realization hit Yuan like a thunderclap.


    He could use it.


    He could truly wield a technique that allowed him to move like a dragon!


    Yuan''s heart pounded as his face lit up with sheer exhilaration.


    "Senior! This child is beyond honored to learn the legendary Azure Dragon Steps! No matter the cost, I will dedicate myself to mastering this technique!"


    Dropping to one knee, his voice rang with unwavering determination.


    "Please, Senior! Teach me the Azure Dragon Steps!"


    The Azure Ghost burst into laughter, his flames dancing with amusement.


    "Hehehe¡­ No need to beg, child. I will teach you the Azure Dragon Steps freely, without condition!"


    He lifted his hand, the azure flames flaring like a beacon.


    "Now, listen carefully¡­ and prepare yourself!"

 The Last Trial

    After a few hours of the Azure Ghost explaining the Azure Dragon Steps technique to Yuan, he slowly began to understand and learn how to use the first step,Wingless Dragon Step.


    Since he did not possess any spiritual energy in his body, using the Azure Dragon Steps without it was nearly impossible. However, with the help of the Green Royal Key, it became feasible,though not without its own limitations.


    The first problem was activation speed.


    If Yuan had his own spiritual energy, activating Wingless Dragon Step would take only an instant, allowing him to flee immediately.But since he relied on external energy from the Green Royal Key, it first had to flow into his body before activating the technique, creating a few-second delay.This delay could mean life or death if he was caught in a situation where an enemy was too close.


    The second problem was limited usage.


    The Green Royal Key only held a small reserve of spiritual energy.If Yuan used Wingless Dragon Step at full power, he could only use it two or three times before the key ran out of energy.If he tried to conserve energy by using the technique at a weaker level, he risked not moving fast enough, which could lead to certain death.


    The third, and perhaps most dangerous issue, was lack of control.


    Without proper mastery, Azure Dragon Steps would function more like a straight-line dash rather than a technique with precision and flexibility.Yuan wouldn''t be able to change direction mid-movement, meaning if he miscalculated his path, he could crash into obstacles or even run straight into danger instead of escaping it.


    Despite all these challenges, Yuan had no other choice.


    Running away from the trial was impossible. He was inside the Crowned Ghost Prince''s inheritance, and his only way forward was to conquer the trials.Even more, there was a chance for him to reach the Meridian Awakening Stage,something that would change his fate forever.


    Thus, with determination burning in his heart, Yuan focused on training the Azure Dragon Steps technique.


    As Yuan trained, the Azure Ghost also took the time to explain the later steps of the technique. However, those higher-level steps were of no use to Yuan for now, as he lacked the cultivation base to execute them.


    Nearly half a day passed, and Yuan finally managed to use Wingless Dragon Step with the external help of spiritual energy provided by the Azure Ghost.


    But something unexpected happened.


    During his training, Yuan unknowingly cleansed his hearing.


    Even the Azure Ghost was surprised. He theorized that training the Azure Dragon Steps, which required keen focus on movement and awareness, had inadvertently helped Yuan clear his senses, allowing him to unlock his next stage in cultivation.


    For Yuan, this experience was magical.


    It was as if his ears had been underwater all his life, muffled and unclear. Now, it felt as if his head had finally emerged above the water, and for the first time, he could hear everything with crystal clarity.


    Both Yuan and the Azure Ghost welcomed this unexpected progress. This newfound heightened sense would make surviving future trials easier.


    With their preparations complete, Yuan and the Azure Ghost turned their attention to the staircase before them.


    It was identical to the staircases they had encountered on the previous floors¡ªa passage leading to the next challenge.


    But this time, there was one major difference.


    This would be the last staircase they would see in this place.


    The final trial awaited them.


    Taking one last deep breath, the Azure Ghost turned to Yuan and spoke with a solemn tone.


    "Child, always remember,anything can happen. Even death. This last trial is unlike any before it. Are you truly ready? There will be no room for regrets."


    Yuan gazed at the Azure Ghost, taking in the flickering figure adorned in azure robes, its black and yellow snake patterns dancing like living entities in the ethereal light. His expression remained unwavering as he answered.


    "I will not regret anything,because there is nothing to regret. There is no way out. I can only walk forward. I''ve made the best preparations I possibly could, so why waste time speaking of regret? I will keep walking, even if it means facing death."


    Without another word, Yuan stepped forward, ascending toward the end of the staircase. Behind him, the Azure Ghost silently faded into the background, his form slowly dissolving into the air.


    The world around Yuan began to shift once again. The radiant light of the room faded, dissolving into an entirely new reality.


    For the first time since stepping into this mysterious inheritance, he saw a clear blue sky, vast and endless, with only a few scattered white clouds hanging in the heavens.


    The ground beneath him solidified into a great mountain peak, standing tall above the world. The wind howled, crisp and cold, carrying the scent of distant lands far beyond his reach.


    The view was breathtaking,a sight so grand that any ordinary person might have fallen to their knees in awe.


    But Yuan did not smile.


    He felt no joy in the beauty of the landscape.


    Instead, his grip on the Green Royal Key tightened, his body tense with caution and wariness.


    Something wasn''t right.


    Before he could fully assess the situation, the ground trembled violently beneath him.


    A thunderous quake ripped through the mountain, the very land beneath Yuan''s feet beginning to move.


    The ground shook so violently that he could barely keep his balance, falling to his knees as the mountain itself trembled.


    But this was not a mere earthquake.


    The entire mountain was shifting,as if it was alive.


    Crack!


    The earth split apart, and the sky above shattered like glass.


    Yuan''s breath caught in his throat as he desperately searched for something,anything,to hold onto.


    Nothing.


    There were no trees to grip, no ledges to grab. Only emptiness.


    He clenched the Green Royal Key in one hand while his other dug into the crumbling soil, trying to keep himself from falling.


    And then


    A blinding green light exploded from the Royal Key.


    The mountain collapsed.


    The sky shattered.


    Everything around him vanished into an abyss of nothingness.


    Yuan felt his body plummet through the void, the weightlessness overwhelming his senses.


    He could not scream.


    He could not think.


    It was too sudden,too unreal.


    The Green Royal Key, once his greatest hope, vanished in the light, leaving him with nothing.


    He was truly falling.


    Falling towards death.


    For the first time, Yuan felt true despair.


    There was no ledge to grab, no technique to save him.


    Azure Dragon Steps?


    Useless. It would only make him die faster.


    The Green Royal Key?


    Gone.


    This was it.


    His end.


    As he tumbled through the abyss, Yuan stopped struggling.


    Instead, he let his thoughts drift,revisiting the memories of his life.


    The faces he once knew.


    The stories his grandfather told him.


    The village where he was born.


    The journey that led him here.


    He had fought so hard.


    Yet in the end


    It was meaningless.


    He had failed.


    A small, bitter smile formed on his lips.


    With his last breath, he closed his eyes and whispered his final words.


    "Goodbye."


    As Yuan''s body was about to be swallowed by the abyss, the very space beneath him vanished.


    And then


    A single azure flame ignited.


    It emerged from nowhere, devouring Yuan''s falling body in an instant.


    From the depths of the abyss, a voice cold, emotionless, victorious,spoke.


    "I win."


    ----


    Within a luxurious room, a young man with azure-blue hair and dark blue eyes, possessing a strikingly handsome face, sat in solitude. He wore an elegant azure robe, embroidered with the patterns of a black dragon and a yellow dragon, their figures coiling in a delicate yet imposing design.


    In the silence of the room, the young man sat motionless, his gaze fixed intently on the book in his hands. The cover bore the title:


    "Azure Basilisk Flame Art."


    For what seemed like an eternity, he remained still, fully immersed in its contents.


    Then


    A knock on the door.


    The focused expression on his face slowly faded. Closing his dark blue eyes, he exhaled softly, then shut the ancient tome with a quiet but decisive motion. After a brief moment of silence, his voice cold, emotionless, and commanding,broke the stillness.


    "Enter."


    The door creaked open, and an elderly man stepped inside. Taking two measured steps forward, he immediately fell to one knee, bowing respectfully.


    "Young Master," the old man''s voice was steady but laced with urgency. "The Family Head has issued an order,every member of the family above the Soul Forming stage is to participate in the search for the Crowned Ghost Prince. Each has been assigned a specific region, and the Young Master''s designated region is the Illusion Forest, near the Human Domain."


    Hearing this, the young master''s cold gaze sharpened. His fingers tightened slightly over the book''s cover as he muttered to himself.


    "The Illusion Forest¡­ Ha." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A humorless chuckle escaped his lips. He leaned back slightly, his piercing gaze locked onto the old man.


    "They want me to be stationed in the Illusion Forest? Even though I haven''t even reached the peak of the Soul Fusion stage?" His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Heh, what a fine scheme these old bastards have devised."


    He tapped his fingers idly against the armrest of his chair, his tone growing colder.


    "I have no choice but to comply, don''t I? Even though the Illusion Forest has swallowed Soul Ascension stage cultivators whole, I''m expected to walk right in. Objecting would be pointless,I would only face punishment, as the order came directly from the Family Head. But tell me, Elder Blue Scale..."


    His eyes narrowed, amusement flickering behind their icy depths.


    "Why is the Crowned Ghost Prince even here? Does he have a death wish?" He scoffed. "Or has he already forgotten how he killed my foolish eldest brother?"


    For a brief moment, silence filled the room.


    The elderly servant stiffened, his expression paling as he frantically glanced around, as if afraid of unseen ears lurking in the shadows.


    "Y-Y-Young Master," he stammered, his voice filled with unease. "P-Please be careful with your words! The walls have ears... You must never forget that."


    A low chuckle echoed through the chamber. The young master rested his head against his hand, crossing his legs leisurely as a smirk tugged at his lips.


    "Who cares about the walls, Elder Blue Scale?" His voice was laced with mockery and defiance. "They already want me dead. Even the Family Head does."


    His expression darkened, his smile growing sharper.


    "Unlike the other Dragon Clans, our Azure Clan does not rule with brute force,we rule with schemes and traps. We are the weakest of the Five Dragon Kings, but also the most intelligent. That is precisely why we still hold our place among them. The Family Head rose to power through cunning, not strength."


    His gaze turned icy, his voice dropping lower.


    "But because of that, treachery runs deep in our blood."


    Leaning forward, he chuckled once more.


    "They can''t kill me outright,not as long as I maintain my ties with the Void Dragon Clan. So instead, they resort to petty schemes, hoping I fall into their traps. Heh¡­ such laughable tactics."


    For a brief moment, he closed his eyes, lost in deep thought.


    Then, after what felt like an hour, he opened them once more,their depths reflecting a newfound determination.


    Slowly, he stood up, his azure robes flowing elegantly around him.


    Elder Blue Scale immediately followed, his bowed posture unwavering as he trailed behind.


    The young master let out a final, amused laugh, and with a graceful wave of his hand, his body was suddenly engulfed in a burst of azure flames.


    In the next instant,both master and servant had vanished.

 Illusion Forest

    Before a massive forest covered in thick white mist, two figures stood,a young man with long azure hair and deep blue eyes, dressed in a uniquely patterned black and yellow dragon-embroidered azure robe. Behind him stood an old man, clad in a blue robe adorned with a black and blue dragon pattern. The elder had long silver hair and deep blue eyes, his expression filled with unease.


    The old man looked nervous, but the young man appeared completely indifferent, as if he was oblivious to the danger his companion feared.


    The elder stuttered, his voice betraying his anxiety. "Y-Young Master, w-we have arrived at the Illusion Forest. What¡­ w-what should we do?"


    "Hehe, Elder Blue Scale, why are you so nervous?" The young master chuckled, a trace of amusement in his voice. "The Family Head has already given us our orders,to wait here and watch for the Crowned Ghost Prince. There''s nothing more to it. Come, let''s head to the Mirror Pavilion first."


    Without the slightest hesitation, the young master strode toward the Mirror Pavilion, his pace steady and unbothered. Elder Blue Scale, though hesitant, followed closely behind.


    As they made their way through the Illusion Forest, the old man''s every step was filled with paranoia. His eyes darted to every shadow, every shifting mist, as though death lurked around every corner. In contrast, the young master moved with casual ease, navigating the eerie forest as if it were nothing more than his own backyard.


    After traveling 20 kilometers, a grand structure came into view,the Mirror Pavilion. As it emerged from the mist, fragments of history resurfaced in the young master''s mind.


    It was said that the Mirror Pavilion was once the domain of a powerful Human Ascender. However, as the Azure Dragon Tribe expanded, they conquered this land, taking it from the humans. Despite their victory, they found nothing of true value. Disappointed by the land''s apparent uselessness, the dragons eventually abandoned it, leaving its name untouched,a mere relic of the past.


    Yet, the same could not be said about the Illusion Forest. For generations, the Azure Dragons had sought to uncover its mysteries, drawn by its secrets. It was, after all, the reason they had fought to claim this territory in the first place. But all efforts to unravel the forest''s enigma ended in failure. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Legends even whispered that the Human Ascender who once ruled this land met his end within the Illusion Forest itself, though this remained nothing more than a centuries-old rumor,one passed down through generations long after the Mirror Pavilion had fallen into the hands of the Azure Dragon Tribe.


    But little was truly known about this place. However, the young master did not allow himself to become careless. He already knew that something was bound to happen,after all, wasn''t he known as the shame of the Azure Dragon Family?


    With a few quiet chuckles, he pushed those thoughts aside and cast a cold gaze upon the Mirror Pavilion.


    The pavilion was massive,so large that an ordinary mortal would have to crane their neck just to take in its full size. A short distance away, a serene lake stretched across the landscape, its crystalline waters reflecting the sky. Surrounding the pavilion was a lush, verdant forest, its beauty so striking that even he found it pleasing to the eye.


    What stood out, however, was a large, round stone positioned near the pavilion. The young master''s gaze lingered on it for a moment before he dismissed it from his mind, deciding it was unimportant for now. Without hesitation, he strode toward the entrance of the Mirror Pavilion.


    The entrance was guarded by ancient magical runes, glowing faintly with latent power. They were inscribed upon a barrier that could effortlessly withstand several attacks from a Soul Forging cultivator like himself. If he recalled correctly, this defensive runic formation was known as the Hundred Beast Formation.


    Other than the runes, there was a massive stone gate standing in his way. Without a second thought, he pushed it open and stepped into the Mirror Pavilion, letting the heavy gate shut behind him.


    Once inside, he closed his eyes, allowing his senses to adjust to the ancient aura lingering within.


    The moment his presence settled, the pavilion itself responded,its dormant formations stirring to life. The young master opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them as he activated a small fraction of his Soul Essence.


    At once, the entire pavilion illuminated with a myriad of dazzling lights, casting shifting patterns across the stone walls.


    Observing the radiant display, the young master nodded approvingly before speaking to Elder Blue Scale.


    "Elder Blue Scale, everything is intact. I didn''t detect any issues with the runes,every formation is functioning properly. It seems the Clan Elders did not tamper with the Mirror Pavilion''s defensive runes after all."


    Hearing this, Elder Blue Scale let out a deep sigh of relief.


    "R-Really? Thank the heavens!" The tension in his posture faded, replaced with visible cheerfulness.


    "So, Young Master, what should we do now?" The elder, now in much better spirits, asked eagerly.


    A soft chuckle escaped the young master''s lips as he glanced at the elder, mildly amused by his sudden change in attitude.


    "What should we do? That''s simple, Elder Blue Scale. First, we''ll reinforce the pavilion with additional runic formations. I believe a few extra layers will further perfect the existing Seven Elemental Rune Formation."


    A playful smirk formed on his lips as he continued.


    "After that, we wait. Sooner or later, one of the elders will arrive to inform us of the next orders from the Family Head. Perhaps once they see that we''re alive and well here, they''ll recall us? Who knows what those old schemers are plotting?"


    Having said his piece, the young master lost interest in the conversation and proceeded toward the pavilion''s meditation chamber.


    Once inside, he retrieved several items from the space ring on his finger and began inscribing additional runic formations, carefully integrating them into the existing protective arrays.


    After working tirelessly for a full month on the runic formations, the young master activated the meditation runes, binding the nearby ten thousand kilometers of True Spiritual Essence. This allowed the formations to become highly sensitive to any unusual fluctuations in True Spiritual Energy or Heaven Essence.


    With all preparations complete, the young master closed his eyes and dove into his Soul Core. The world around him shifted into an azure-hued space, its vastness stretching endlessly. The very fabric of this space moved like raging, turbulent water, yet the young master remained unfazed,this chaotic motion was, to him, a familiar sight.


    With a simple wave of his hand, he summoned a tiny spark of azure flame. The flame flickered, then grew, slowly transforming into a fully-formed fire. A faint smile tugged at the young master''s lips as a wisp of another azure essence,his Soul Essence,flowed from his fingertips, merging with the flame.


    As time passed, the flame''s hue deepened, darkening ever so slightly,a change imperceptible to the naked eye.


    A month passed in the blink of an eye.


    A year vanished in two blinks.


    Ten years faded in three,until time itself lost all meaning.


    And so, they waited.


    57 Years Later¡­


    For fifty years, after receiving the order from the Clan Head to head toward the Illusion Forest, neither the young master nor Elder Blue Scale had received any further orders. Yet, neither of them felt concern,after all, fifty years was nothing to beings who had already lived for tens of thousands of years.


    But then, in the fifty seventh year, something happened.


    Someone had arrived.


    Sensing the disturbance, the young master immediately withdrew from his Soul Core, his azure eyes flashing open. In that instant, a cold, piercing glint surged from his pupils, activating countless layers of detecting and trapping runic formations.


    Lifting his palm, he unleashed a dark azure True Spiritual Essence, activating the Heaven Gazing Rune Formation.


    Immediately, his perception expanded beyond the pavilion, granting him a bird''s-eye view of everything.


    The Mirror Pavilion no longer appeared serene or majestic. Instead, it was now encased within a massive, dark-green barrier, its walls stretching countless meters thick. The ground churned like raging waves, obliterating anything that lacked the young master''s mark of protection.


    Even more disturbingly, the trees, the buildings, and even the very sky itself¡­ had grown eyes.


    An eerie presence loomed over the pavilion, as if the heavens themselves were gazing down upon the mortal world.


    His gaze sharpened as he searched for Elder Blue Scale and soon enough, he spotted him, already waiting outside the meditation chamber.


    "Enter."


    At the young master''s command, Elder Blue Scale stepped forward, taking just two steps before dropping to one knee.


    "Young Master, I have already sent the Five Elemental Vipers ahead to test the intruder. This old servant now awaits further orders!"


    Hearing that the Five Elemental Vipers had been dispatched, the young master coldly nodded.


    "Good. Now, we wait. I don''t see anything unusual in the Heaven Gazing Rune Formation¡­ meaning our intruder is either hiding deep within the shadows¡­ or within the very reflections of this world."


    His gaze turned even sharper.


    "Send out a pair of Shadow and Mirror Snakes to investigate. If the intruder hides within the darkness, the Shadow Snake will find them. If they conceal themselves within reflections¡­ the Mirror Snake will pull them out."


    Without hesitation, Elder Blue Scale bowed his head.


    "As the Young Master commands!"


    With a simple wave of his hand, two serpentine figures materialized.


    One was a deep, dark silhouette, shifting and flickering like a living shadow.


    The other was a nearly transparent serpent, its body reflecting the surroundings like a mirror of reality itself.


    With a flick of his wrist, Elder Blue Scale sent them forth.


    The Shadow Snake slithered toward the darkened structures, blending seamlessly with the shadows.


    The Mirror Snake drifted toward the sunlit areas, phasing into the very fabric of reflections.


    And then, they waited.


    Hours Later¡­


    Inside the Mirror Pavilion, both the young master and Elder Blue Scale stood in absolute silence.


    Their expressions had turned grim,eyes cold, faces ruthless.


    They had found the intruder.


    A young man stood before them.


    His hair was pure white, his eyes a ghostly silver, and he wore silver robes embroidered with dark gray markings. His features were strikingly handsome, yet his complexion was deathly pale, exuding an unsettling presence.


    But what stood out the most,what made both the young master and Elder Blue Scale''s expressions darken even further,were the three floating crystals orbiting his head.


    One was crimson red.


    One was deep blue.


    One was pitch black.


    Each radiated an aura of terrifying might.


    These were Dragon Crystals.


    And not just any Dragon Crystals.


    These were Royal Dragon Crystals,crystallized essence left behind when a Royal Dragon perished.


    There was only one being in existence who could possess such treasures.


    Only one being who could carry such a presence.


    The realization solidified in their minds.


    There was no longer any need for further investigation.


    No reason to question his identity.


    It was him.


    The intruder standing before them was none other than the Crowned Ghost Prince.


    Also known as the Royal Dragon Slayer.


    The one who ignited the war between Dragons and Ghosts.


    And now,he was here.

 Ghost and Basilisk

    The Crowned Ghost Prince gazed at the green barrier before him and spoke coldly, "Come out, Basilisk. You already know the situation,why be so cautious?"


    As soon as the Crowned Ghost Prince spoke, the young master understood what was happening. Without hesitation, he waved his hand, and both he and the elder descended gracefully from the barrier.


    Hovering above the Crowned Ghost Prince, the young master and the elder locked eyes with him, their gazes filled with cold indifference.


    "So, you are the honored guest visiting my humble pavilion, Crown Prince Defying Phantom. We meet again," the young master, known as the Dragonic Basilisk, said with a smirk.


    Defying Phantom simply smiled back, his expression just as cold. "Indeed, we meet again, Dragonic Basilisk. I believe the last time we crossed paths was when I attacked the Azure Heir. Time truly flows like water, doesn''t it? Back then, you were nothing more than a lowly Spirit Forging stage cultivator, and now you stand on the same stage as me at the Soul Fusion stage. As the old sages say, nothing is impossible."


    "Heh, indeed, Defying Phantom, nothing is impossible," Basilisk chuckled, his voice laced with irony. "At that time, I truly feared for my life, but look where I stand now? The Grand Elders and Clan Head even went so far as to hire a professional Dragon Slayer to kill a mere snake. Amusing, isn''t it? Even though that very Dragon Slayer hunted down their own heir and slaughtered him before their very eyes, they didn''t lift a finger. As I expected, those old fogies care about nothing but benefits¡ªnothing more, nothing less. Only my foolish Clan Head still grieves over the eldest heir."


    His voice was filled with irony, and he chuckled as if amused by his own words.


    With the formalities now over, Elder Blue Scale began to transform. His once-human body shifted into a more draconic form. His skin became covered in brilliant blue scales, two long, sharp azure horns grew from his head, and his round pupils contracted into vertical slits. His aura surged, becoming even more dominant.


    Seeing the elder''s transformation, Defying Phantom merely smiled coldly, but the young master chuckled, as if he had already anticipated every move.


    Without hesitation, Elder Blue Scale lunged at the young master, his attack swift and decisive.


    Yet, before his strike could land, young master Basilisk vanished,fading away like an illusion.


    Elder Blue Scale was filled with shock, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. Then, from every direction, a ghostly chuckle echoed through the wind.


    "Hehe¡­ Defying Phantom, did you really think I didn''t know that Elder Blue Scale was a spy planted by the other elders? Well, sorry to disappoint you, but I figured it out a long time ago."


    With those words, Young Master Basilisk reappeared on the other side, his hands casually folded behind his back, a cheeky smile playing on his lips.


    Seeing this, Defying Phantom let out a sigh, as if accepting the inevitable. "So, the betrayal was already seen through¡­" His voice was calm, but a hint of amusement flickered within his gaze.


    "Well, it was worth a try. Even if Blue Scale had only betrayed you during our battle, the outcome wouldn''t have changed much. But in the end, he made his move too soon. And you, Basilisk,you already knew, even when I told them you''d probably figure it out. But, well¡­ what does it matter now? What''s done is done."


    Defying Phantom''s expression shifted into one of quiet readiness. "Shall we fight? We''ve talked enough. Both of us have already made our preparations,so why delay any further?"


    Young Master Basilisk chuckled lightly before nodding in agreement. "Indeed¡­ what''s the point of this meaningless talk?"


    Then, in an instant, his voice turned cold and ruthless, filled with an overwhelming killing intent.


    "You both can die now."


    With those words, Young Master Basilisk activated the array of runic formations he had meticulously crafted over the past 50 years. Instantly, the runes ignited with brilliance, cutting through the very fabric of space around the Illusion Forest, sealing them within.


    As the formations took effect, the flow of true spiritual essence and heavenly essence surged into chaos, distorting the surrounding world.


    For a fleeting moment, both Defying Phantom and Elder Blue Scale were caught off guard by the space-severing runic formation. Though it was not truly a threat to them, the sheer rarity of such an advanced formation being deployed stunned them momentarily. After all, very few runic formation masters ever utilized these techniques due to the immense cost.


    That brief instant of hesitation was all Young Master Basilisk needed. Without wasting time, he absorbed all of his True Qi, along with the nearby true spirit essence and heavenly essence, channeling them into his spiritual sword.


    The unveiling of the Spiritual Sword was an unexpected surprise,one neither Defying Phantom nor Elder Blue Scale had anticipated. Their eyes narrowed as they immediately gathered their True Qi in response, summoning their own weapons.


    Defying Phantom''s three draconic flying swords hovered in the air, their aura exuding overwhelming dominance, while Elder Blue Scale summoned his pair of elemental gauntlets, each pulsing with condensed energy.


    Without hesitation, Elder Blue Scale launched himself at Young Master Basilisk, his fists glowing with condensed water essence. From his strike, an illusionary dragon materialized, roaring forward with immense force, crashing toward Basilisk in an attempt to overwhelm him.


    But this kind of probing attack was nothing to Young Master Basilisk.


    With a calm expression, he wielded his long spiritual sword and casually slashed forward.


    The moment he executed Slashing the Heavens, the very essence of the heavens responded. The simple sword strike transformed into a devastating force, a mighty slash that devoured everything in its path. As it clashed with the illusionary dragon, the dragon was immediately consumed and erased from existence, vanishing as if it had never been.


    The devastating might of the attack did not stop there,it surged forward at an even greater speed, streaking toward Elder Blue Scale. Despite his attempt to retreat, the slash reached him, smashing into one of his elemental gauntlets.


    Crack!


    The gauntlet shattered instantly.


    A surge of fear and dread overtook Elder Blue Scale. He had barely blocked a fragment of the attack''s full power, and yet one of his prized elemental gauntlets had already been destroyed.


    But as panic threatened to cloud his mind, Young Master Basilisk saw an opening.


    His figure blurred, and in an instant, he appeared mere meters away from the elder,close enough that a single stroke of his spiritual sword could take his head.


    With deadly precision, he swung.


    The cold steel of the blade was mere inches away from beheading Elder Blue Scale when


    Clang!


    A flying blue sword intercepted the attack, slipping into the gap between the elder''s neck and Basilisk''s blade at the last possible moment, stopping it just long enough for the elder to retreat.


    But before he could even sigh in relief, a glint of silver flashed through the air.


    A knife materialized out of nowhere,silent, fast, and deadly.


    It tore through the space between them and pierced directly through Elder Blue Scale''s skull.


    Like a hot knife through butter. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmph." A sneer escaped Young Master Basilisk''s lips as he looked at Defying Phantom coldly.


    "Did you really think the elder could escape when I had already devised a plan for his execution the moment he betrayed me? Did you truly believe I am that naive?"


    "Naive? You?" Defying Phantom scoffed, a cold smile forming on his lips. "Who would dare to call the Demonic Basilisk naive? But then again, you shocked him so thoroughly that he never stood a chance. You always have an unknown scheme lurking in the shadows, and you trust no one except your servant. We were careful¡­ just not careful enough when dealing with you. Who would have thought you had already planted his death sentence long before this fight even began?"


    With that said, Defying Phantom summoned his flying blue sword, letting out a soft sigh as he glanced at the corpse of Elder Blue Scale.


    Yet, unlike Defying Phantom, Young Master Basilisk did not spare his former servant even a single glance, as if the man he had known for tens of thousands of years had never mattered in the first place. His gaze remained locked onto Defying Phantom, utterly indifferent.


    Raising his hands, he formed a hand seal, and immediately, the surrounding heavenly essence and true spiritual essence surged toward the sky, condensing into a colossal sword. Its form crackled with raw power, its massive tip poised and aimed directly at Defying Phantom.


    Observing this unfolding formation, Defying Phantom''s lips curled into a smirk.


    "Oh? The Sword-Piercing Earth runic formation? A solid choice. A pity that it''s a common technique used among top-tier sects and clans."


    As he analyzed the formation, Defying Phantom moved his three Royal Dragon Crystals into his palm. Hovering above his hand, the red, black, and blue crystals radiated an eerie light. Infusing them with his soul essence, they fused with his three flying swords, their blades warping and distorting into even more fearsome shapes.


    Then, the transformation began.


    The three swords shattered into countless shards, swirling in the air like fragmented reflections. The shards moved as if guided by an unseen force, merging together to form the shape of a massive dragon. Its body pulsed with an ominous glow,its head red like smoldering embers, its spine a deep abyssal black, and its tail shimmering with an eerie blue.


    A three-colored dragon, forged entirely from blades.


    Seeing this monstrosity take form, Young Master Basilisk clicked his tongue in mild annoyance.


    With a single motion, he directed his hand toward the three-colored dragon, and in perfect synchrony, Defying Phantom raised his hand toward the gigantic sword above them.


    In the next instant, the two titanic forces clashed.


    The enormous sword and the dragon of countless blades collided, shaking the very fabric of space around them.


    Both of them clashed, but the gigantic sword began to slowly shatter. Seeing this, Young Master Basilisk had already foreseen this outcome. Defying Phantom had mentioned that the Sword-Piercing Earth runic formation was well-known across the cultivation world.


    The young master had chosen this formation despite its widespread recognition because, even though it was common, its raw power made it effective in most situations. Most cultivators lacked the knowledge or ability to counter it properly. However, this time, his gamble had failed.


    But even so, he had a backup plan.


    With a swift motion, he unsheathed his spiritual sword and began forming intricate hand seals with both hands. However, Defying Phantom was prepared as well. After all, he knew that the Draconic Basilisk was a man of caution, always scheming and preparing for any possible scenario. It was expected that he would have another trick hidden up his sleeve.


    The gigantic sword finally collapsed, and its shattered fragments rained down toward Defying Phantom. But with a wave of his hand, the three-colored dragon coiled around him, shielding him from the descending shards.


    As soon as the rain of shards ceased, Young Master Basilisk''s second plan unfolded.


    "Bind."


    At his command, the shattered fragments of the sword glowed with a golden hue and merged into the ground, transforming into Heavenly Chains that surged forward, entangling the three-colored dragon.


    Seeing his dragon bound by chains, Defying Phantom did not hesitate. He poured a massive amount of soul essence into his three Royal Dragon Hearts, causing one of the chained shards to break free and transform into a red sword that hovered beside him.


    With one sword freed, the once three-colored dragon was now reduced to only two colors¡ªblack and blue. However, the single red sword remained unbound, floating ominously around Defying Phantom, its energy surging with untamed power.


    Seeing this moment of weakness, the young master gripped his spiritual sword with one hand and shot forward toward Defying Phantom.


    But Defying Phantom had already anticipated this. A cold smile curled on his lips as he stomped against the ground.


    Just as the young master closed in, a massive black earth spike erupted from the ground, aiming straight for his position.


    With no other choice, the young master slashed downward, his spiritual sword infused with soul essence, cutting through the earth spike in a single stroke. The two halves of the shattered spike crashed onto the battlefield, but before he could regain his footing, Defying Phantom had already launched his second attack.


    In one hand, he wielded the red sword, and in the other, he raised a purple-black flamed lamp.


    The eerie flames flickered, releasing an aura of death. The young master instantly understood what was about to happen.


    "The ghosts are joining the battle."


    Just as he had predicted, the purple flames flickered wildly, and wherever they touched the ground, small flame ghosts emerged, rising from the embers like vengeful spirits.


    Now, with hundreds of flame ghosts surrounding him, the young master let out a disdainful snort before beginning his transformation.


    His pupils narrowed into vertical slits, his arms and skin became covered in thin, dark azure scales, and atop his head, four small azure horns emerged, forming what resembled a crown, with two larger ones at the forefront.


    With his new draconic form, the young master let out a low growl, and suddenly, the surroundings ignited in dark azure flames.


    Everything,the battlefield, the air, even the true spiritual essence itself,was engulfed in the raging azure inferno.


    The flame ghosts shrieked as the dark azure fire devoured them, their forms disintegrating in an instant.


    A small smirk formed on the young master''s lips as his glowing azure eyes locked onto Defying Phantom.


    The azure flames surged violently, gathering at a single point, like a raging tidal wave ready to crash.


    Defying Phantom''s eyes widened slightly as he realized too late


    His flame ghosts had vanished.


    And in the next instant, the azure flames swallowed him whole.


    But as the azure flames consumed Defying Phantom, a massive surge of true spiritual essence erupted, reconstructing his body. However, this time, it no longer bore any human-like features. Instead, his form had transformed into something far more terrifying,a ghostly apparition, devoid of physical constraints.


    This was the very state that had earned him the infamous title of Crowned Ghost Prince, the being feared across the Underworld.


    Now, with Defying Phantom in his true form, the real battle had begun. A fight where only one would leave alive.

 Yuan

    The battle raged on, both the Crowned Ghost Prince, Defying Phantom, and Young Master Basilisk clashing in a relentless fight to the death, their schemes and tricks intertwining like a deadly game of wits.


    The land itself bore the scars of their battle,obliterated beyond recognition, its once thriving spiritual energy now thrown into complete disarray. Even the true spiritual essence and Heaven''s essence had grown chaotic, the very balance of the world disturbed by their prolonged conflict. The battlefield had been drained dry, a wasteland where not even the heavens could restore what had been lost.


    For years, their battle continued,every trap, every runic formation, every hidden trump card was played.


    One had known exactly who his opponent would be from the start, preparing in advance. The other had only discovered his adversary upon being attacked, forced to adapt to an unforeseen challenge.


    On one side of the battlefield stood a colossal, six-armed figure clad in tattered white armor, glowing with a faint, eerie light. Despite its divine presence, the armor looked fragile, on the verge of shattering with even the weakest blow.


    The six-armed entity wielded three distinct swords, each radiating a different power,one red, one blue, and one black. In another of its six hands, it carried a flickering lamp, from which a purple flame danced ominously. The remaining two hands were empty, yet both were covered in half-broken gauntlets, symbols of a battle-worn warrior who had endured far too much.


    Opposite this spectral warlord was a monstrous, serpentine creature,a titanic azure-scaled dragon, its form battered and bloodied. Two long, azure horns extended from its head, accompanied by two smaller ones curling beside them. Its deep blue, vertical-slit eyes gleamed with both madness and exhaustion, while razor-sharp white fangs protruded from its mouth, dripping with fresh blood.


    Though its magnificent scales shimmered in the flickering battlefield light, many had already been shattered or torn away, exposing the raw flesh beneath. The aura of death clung heavily to its form, yet even in its battered state, the beast''s presence remained as terrifying as it was awe-inspiring.


    The two celestial figures hovered in the sky, locked in a tense, motionless standoff. Each one analyzed the other, waiting,listening to the whispers of the wind, as if the very air had begun to speak.


    Then, a cold, detached voice broke the silence.


    "Basilisk, why do you still resist?" Defying Phantom''s emotionless voice carried across the ruined battlefield, neither mocking nor enraged,simply stating an undeniable truth.


    "You know just as well as I do that I have far more soul essence and true qi left. You, on the other hand, are clinging to the last dregs of your life force. Why prolong the inevitable? Give up, and I will grant you a painless, swift death."


    For a brief moment, silence returned. Then, from the great azure dragon, a second voice rose,calm, yet laced with ruthless determination.


    "Living with only a few drops of soul essence and true qi?" Basilisk''s voice, though filled with exhaustion, still carried its commanding presence.


    "You''re right. I have nearly nothing left. My body is failing me. I can feel the very blood of my true dragon lineage slipping away¡­ Even if I defeat you here, I will not live to see another day."


    A pause.


    Then, his voice changed,no longer cold, but irritated¡­ and almost disappointed.


    "But, Phantom, there''s one thing.I still have one final hidden card left."


    With that said, the other voice merely sneered, raising its three swords into a combat stance. The massive snake''s body tensed slightly, its deep blue eyes locking onto the thousands upon thousands of Asura Flame Ghosts before it. There was no turning back now.


    And then,the snake exploded.


    Basilisk''s entire body erupted in a catastrophic detonation, sending a devastating shockwave rippling across the battlefield.


    The six-armed ghost immediately sensed the overwhelming danger, its form shuddering as it realized the magnitude of what was happening. Every single Asura Flame Ghost under its control was instantly commanded to block the incoming destruction,but it was futile.


    The explosion obliterated them in an instant.


    Left alone to endure the devastating attack, the six-armed ghost braced itself, standing firm as the force of Basilisk''s ultimate technique consumed it.


    And then,everything vanished.


    The skies, once torn apart by their battle, returned to silence. The land, which had suffered under the weight of their conflict, was erased beyond recognition.


    Days passed.


    Then months.


    Then years.


    For three years, nothing remained. The battlefield had become a forgotten void, a graveyard of two fallen titans.


    Until,a single azure flame flickered into existence.


    At first, it was weak, no more than a spark drifting in the air. But then it grew. Expanding. Shifting. Twisting.


    The flame took the shape of a human form, though it had no distinct features. A torso. Arms. A head. A being of pure azure fire now floated in the skies where once a war had been fought.


    Slowly, the flames pulsed and changed, weaving together an ethereal robe of deep azure, its fabric adorned with intricate black and yellow serpent patterns that coiled as if alive.


    The moment its robe took form, the flame being stirred. It lifted its azure hands, flexing its fingers,testing its new existence. It tilted its head, gazed into the empty skies.


    Then,it moved.


    Its body lifted into the air, gliding effortlessly as if flying.


    And then,it laughed.


    A deep, haunting, triumphant laugh.


    "Hehehehehe... Defying Phantom..." The voice of the azure flame-being echoed through the ruined land. "You have fallen here, and I live! Even if I am now only a soul-flame being, it does not matter! I can slowly create a new body, and in a thousand years or so, I shall return to the clan!"


    Its voice grew darker, filled with twisted amusement.


    "Hehehe... I win."


    With that, the Azure Ghost,once known as Young Master Basilisk,soared across the sky, heading toward the Mirror Pavilion.


    Along the way, his laughter echoed through the desolate land, a melody of victory.


    But as he arrived at the Mirror Pavilion, something unexpected happened.


    A rune formation,one he had never sensed before,suddenly activated.


    Black chains burst forth from the void, surging toward him.


    The Azure Ghost was caught. Shackled.


    Bound to the Mirror Pavilion by an unknown force.


    From that moment onward, he began plotting his escape. He faked the existence of an inheritance, using it as a lure for ambitious cultivators. He perfected his mastery of runes and formations, crafting countless schemes to break the chains that bound him.


    Years passed.


    Then centuries.


    Countless cultivators came seeking the so-called inheritance of the "Fallen Crowned Ghost Prince."


    And yet,none of them knew the truth.


    None of them knew what had truly transpired in that Dragon-Ghost war.


    None of them even knew if the war had ended.


    But The Azure Ghost did not care. He had only one purpose,one desire.


    Escape.


    For nearly five thousand years, he struggled.


    Attempt after attempt failed.


    Until finally,he found the answer.


    And then, one day,a ten year old boy arrived.


    A perfect host. A perfect opportunity.


    And so,his grandest scheme began.


    To steal the boy''s body.


    And finally,break free from his prison.


    - - - - - -


    Two years had passed since Yuan fell into the darkness.


    Atop a mountain, a young teenager lay motionless, as if trapped in an eternal slumber. His body remained still, untouched by the passing winds, until,his eyes slowly fluttered open.


    His azure-black eyes gazed at the endless sky above him, yet he made no move to rise. His mind stirred. Memories surged forth, threatening to drown him in the weight of the past.


    His village. His grandfather.


    The Mansion of Countless Tombs.


    The Mirror Pavilion.


    The Azure Ghost,or as he now knew, the only True Basilisk.


    Young Master Basilisk of the True Azure Dragon Clan.


    The Crowned Ghost Prince,Defying Phantom, the Heir of the Underworld.


    Everything he had once known, everything he had learned,it was too much to process.


    Cultivation. The Countless, terrifying layers of cultivation.


    The unfathomable stage Basilisk and Defying Phantom had reached.


    The vast world beyond,a world that now seemed incomprehensibly large.


    His own existence. His current location.


    For two days, Yuan lay there, trapped within his own thoughts.


    But then,his mind stabilized.


    And so, he moved.


    Pushing himself up, he observed his surroundings. Something felt different. As he took in his own form, he realized,he had grown.


    He was taller now.


    His fingers stretched before him, no longer the small, delicate hands of a child. His limbs, leaner but firmer, had lengthened. He estimated his height and came to a simple conclusion:


    He should be around twelve years old now.


    But how much time had truly passed? There was no way to be certain.


    Driven by curiosity, Yuan sought his reflection. A small pond lay nearby, its still waters glistening beneath the sky. He took a step forward,but then, he paused.


    For the first time, he noticed something that would have startled any other boy his age.


    He was completely bare.


    Yet, where another twelve year old might have felt embarrassment, shame, or confusion, Yuan remained unfazed. His expression did not waver.


    Instead, he calmly raised his hand.


    A gentle azure flame flickered into existence, dancing at the center of his palm. The flame swirled, its form shifting slowly, precisely. Before long, it wove itself into a robe,a simple yet perfectly sized azure garment.


    Satisfied, he draped the robe over himself and continued toward the pond.


    Upon reaching the water''s edge, he gazed down. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His reflection stared back at him.


    His expression remained unreadable, neither shocked nor disturbed. His once-familiar face was now different.


    His eyes,azure black. No longer the same as before.


    His features,sharper, more refined. His once childish roundness had faded into the early traces of maturity.


    But then,his expression shifted.


    For the first time since waking up, a flicker of doubt passed through his gaze.


    He looked at himself.


    For the first time since awakening, Yuan spoke, his voice hoarse and cold.


    "Who am I?"


    "Am I the Young Master of the True Azure Dragon Clan, who lived for thirty thousand years? Or am I Yuan, the ten-year-old boy who faced the Crowned Prince''s inheritance?"


    "No¡­ I never truly faced the Crowned Prince''s inheritance."


    His azure-black eyes reflected in the still water, flickering with a turmoil beyond his years.


    "I fought against the Azure Ghost¡­ the Young Master of the True Azure Dragon Clan. Or, as he was once known,the only Basilisk."


    A ripple disturbed the pond''s surface as he clenched his fists.


    "Even his Azure Basilisk Flames have become mine."


    "I know everything about the Basilisk,his deepest fears, his greatest hardships, the burdens he bore that no one else could understand. But¡­ I also remember Yuan,an innocent boy who sought to defy fate, who longed for freedom from his soul''s illness. Now that I understand cultivation¡­"


    His reflection stared back at him, fractured and uncertain.


    "One of them was a supreme existence,a cold, calculating manipulator who schemed against countless beings, a ruthless man who cared nothing for his family or children."


    "The other was a curious, naive child,someone who only wanted to hear more stories from his grandfather, who unknowingly walked into the Basilisk''s trials and traps."


    His lips parted as he whispered to himself, his voice heavy with conflict.


    "Now that I know both of them¡­ who am I?"


    "Am I Young Master Basilisk?"


    "Or am I Yuan?"


    The wind carried his question into the vast, indifferent sky.


    Days passed.


    He did not move.


    Day or night, he remained at the pond''s edge, unshaken by time, staring deep into his own reflection, searching for an answer only he could find.


    And then,one day,he found it.


    "I am both."


    A shift in his voice. No longer as cold. A flicker of satisfaction, of realization.


    "I am both Young Master Basilisk and the mortal Yuan."


    "One holds thirty thousand years of life experience, the other merely ten."


    The uncertainty faded, replaced by something closer to acceptance.


    "Because I possess Yuan''s body, his emotions, I can say I am Yuan. But the memories of Young Master Basilisk¡­ they gnawed at my sense of self, threatening to consume me,trying to make me believe that I am him and not Yuan at all."


    A small smile crept onto his face,his first in what felt like a lifetime.


    "Yes¡­ I am Yuan. I am the one who devoured the soul of the Basilisk, who inherited all of his memories, who now wields his Azure Basilisk Flames."


    The chaotic storm in his mind settled.


    His soul became stable.


    And at last,his gaze lifted toward the endless sky.


    "But none of that matters."


    A newfound clarity flickered in his azure-black eyes, gleaming like cold steel beneath the sun.


    "Because today, I have defied the heavens."


    A soft chuckle left his lips, carrying with it a sense of triumph.


    "I was nothing but prey in the grand schemes of a Soul Fusion cultivator¡­ yet I survived."


    His fingers curled, azure flames flickering at his fingertips.


    "Not only did I survive¡­ I devoured Basilisk''s entire soul."


    His heartbeat thrummed in his chest, steady and resolute.


    "And in doing so¡­ I healed my soul''s affliction."


    Yuan exhaled, slow and measured. His once hoarse voice grew stronger, steadier,more human.


    "So this¡­ this is my first act of defiance against fate."


    His smile deepened.


    "Not only that,I have stepped into the Blood Purification Stage."


    The weight of his realization settled in. He was now a cultivator.


    His smile turned razor-sharp.


    "A Blood Purification Cultivator."


    With the first step taken, the path ahead stretched endlessly before him.


    And so,Yuan''s pursuit of cultivation truly began.

 leaving Home

    On top of a mountain, a young teenager sat cross legged on a rock, his eyes closed in deep meditation.


    For three days, Yuan remained still, unmoving, lost in a trance like state. Then, slowly, he opened his eyes, gazing at the endless blue sky. He lingered in thought for a moment, then closed his eyes once more, sighing as his thoughts swirled through his mind. Finally, he exhaled deeply, opening his eyes again, this time with a calm and clear mind.


    "So, I am not truly at the Blood Purification stage," Yuan murmured. "I am only at the peak of the Mortal Ascension stage, with all my senses already awakened. But this feeling... it is nothing compared to what Young Master Basilisk experienced. Even though his mind was not fully developed as a Blood Purification demonic beast, I can tell,this is not how it should feel."


    With that realization, Yuan''s thoughts shifted to what Young Master Basilisk had done to him.


    For countless years, Basilisk had created a village of humans, shaping it into a paradise. He then spread myths,the Mansion of Countless Tombs, Heaven Defying Humans, and many more,to weave a grand illusion. But as his escape attempts continuously failed, he abandoned the village he had once nurtured.


    Then, one day, Yuan was born.


    With a special soul constitution,the true cause of the headaches he had suffered throughout his life,he unknowingly became the key to Basilisk''s plan. As the only person with an constitution soul ,the young master had encountered only once, Basilisk saw him as the perfect vessel. He planned to devour Yuan''s soul and take over his body.


    However, the act of body possession is nearly impossible,unless the other person willingly allows it.


    Then, until he arrived at the Ghost Forest,or as he now knew, the Illusion Forest,the young master had guided him in countless ways. He had fed him just enough spiritual energy to prevent him from breaking apart from the pain, manipulated his entire village to accelerate his growth, and even orchestrated the deaths of those closest to him.


    His mother''s death when he was three, his grandfather''s passing,all of it had been planned. In fact, among all the people in the village, his grandfather had been the most manipulated. Now, with the memories of the young master, Yuan understood the horrifying truth. His grandfather had never truly been his grandfather.


    His entire village had been nothing more than puppets, their strings tightly controlled by the young master''s whims. Every trial, every illusion, had been crafted for Yuan to overcome, ensuring he would never turn back. Even the emotions he felt had been carefully orchestrated.


    Despite the young master having long perished, his soul flame endured. Thanks to the Azure Basilisk Flame Art, he had survived without a physical body, using the art to manipulate soul essence,a power only achievable upon reaching the Soul Manifestation Stage. At that stage, a cultivator could create drops of soul essence, which allowed them to exert control over both true spiritual essence and, ultimately, complete mastery over spiritual essence.


    But such things were far too distant for Yuan''s current cultivation level. For now, his only focus had to be spiritual essence, the key to his advancement.


    The most terrifying part of it all was not just the young master''s influence but how seamlessly he had controlled everything. Even from the beginning, there had been signs,hints that the young master had known his name, details Yuan had overlooked in his naivety.


    Yet, in the end, Yuan had trusted him completely.


    Now, however, he knew the truth. He understood that even learning the Azure Dragon Steps and the wound he had sustained from the Shadow Horned Bear had all been carefully orchestrated. These events had not been coincidences but carefully planted influences designed to mold his body into the perfect vessel.


    But none of that mattered anymore.


    What mattered now was reaching the next stage.


    Reaching the Blood Purification Stage was now his most important goal. However, achieving this stage was not a significant challenge for him. After all, he now possessed the Azure Basilisk Flame, which had already helped him awaken all of his senses. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With the Azure Basilisk Flame Art, even advancing to the Bone Forging Stage would not be an issue. Given time, he could potentially reach that level within a mere hundred years,an astonishing speed in the cultivation world.


    After so much thinking and sitting still, Yuan''s stomach suddenly growled with hunger. Hearing the sound, he instinctively placed a hand over his stomach, momentarily surprised. Then, he let out a small chuckle.


    "Heh, how long has it been since I last felt hunger? Based on Basilisk''s memories, the last time he ate was ten thousand years ago, before his imprisonment. But at that time, his cultivation was already so high that he could sustain himself purely on spiritual essence or use his inner true qi for nourishment. Well, no point in thinking about that now,it''s time to find something to eat!"


    With that decision made, Yuan stood up, stretching his stiff body. A dull ache spread through his muscles,his body still wasn''t used to extended meditation.


    Looking around, Yuan assessed his surroundings, contemplating his next move. He was currently at the border between the Dragon Continent and the Human Continent,at least, assuming no major war had broken out between the two races. If a war was underway, his situation could go two ways: instant death if he was caught in the conflict, or, if he was fortunate, an opportunity to join a sect in the Human Domain. But that''s something to consider later¡­


    After reevaluating his exact location, Yuan came to a realization,he was at the outer layer of the Illusion Forest, on its opposite side.


    To reach the Human Domain, he needed to head north. Using the sun''s movement and shadow positions, he carefully determined the correct direction. After a few hours of observation, he was confident he had found true north.


    With a final glance at his surroundings, Yuan set off toward the north, hoping his sense of direction was correct and that he would soon arrive in the Human Domain.


    Days passed, and the relentless hunger gnawed at Yuan''s sanity, pushing him dangerously close to the edge. His stomach growled incessantly, each wave of emptiness like a dagger to his gut. However, with the endless years of life experience from Basilisk, he endured. Even as his body weakened, his will remained unshaken.


    But then,something changed.


    After what felt like an eternity of walking through mist and towering trees, Yuan finally saw something different. A vast, open plain of grass stretched before him,a sight so foreign yet so breathtaking that it made him momentarily forget his suffering.


    Could it be?


    The realization struck him like lightning,he was near the end of the Illusion Forest.


    With renewed vigor, he forced his exhausted body forward. The mere sight of the open land ahead filled him with a joy he hadn''t felt in what seemed like lifetimes.


    After just twenty more minutes of walking, Yuan finally stood before the boundless plains. The golden sun bathed the landscape in warmth, the gentle breeze rustling the grass like ocean waves. The scene was beautiful, serene,a stark contrast to the eerie Illusion Forest behind him.


    A wide smile crept across his face. And then,he burst into laughter, his voice echoing across the vast field.


    "Hahaha! I, Yuan, have finally arrived at the Human Domain!"


    His excitement surged, but just as he was about to take his first steps forward, he hesitated.


    Turning around, he gazed back into the depths of the Illusion Forest,the place of his birth, his trials, and his transformation.


    Slowly, memories resurfaced,his grandfather''s stories, the village that once sheltered him, the endless trials that nearly broke him¡­ and the manipulations that had shaped his fate.


    But just as quickly as those memories came, they faded.


    With one final glance at the past, Yuan turned back toward the open plains of the Human Domain.


    With resolute determination, he spoke his final words to the past, letting them drift into the wind.


    "Although I could not save them from the space cutting rune formation, I gave them the freedom they never had. I owe them nothing anymore."


    With that final thought, Yuan turned away from the past, his expression calm yet unreadable.


    Now, with his hands clasped behind his back, he strode forward,toward the other end of the vast, open plains.


    His goal was clear. To find a mortal human village. A place where he could blend in, gather information, and begin anew.


    And so, without looking back, he walked on.


    First Act of Defiance-End


    ----------------


    AN:


    Hey, LazyRedMoon here,


    I hope you enjoyed the first volume of Journey of True Cultivation ¡äFirst Act of Defiance¡ä. Although this volume is relatively short, with only 14 chapters, I''m satisfied with it. The next volume will be much longer, but that''s something to look forward to in the future.


    What I want to clarify in this author''s note is that any small plot holes you may have noticed such as soul essence, true spiritual energy, true qi, and other concepts ,they are intentional. These aspects will be gradually explained throughout the story in the next volume ¡äHypocrisy of Sects¡ä.


    So if you''re feeling confused about certain elements, don''t worry! Everything will be revealed over time.


    Thank you for reading, and I hope you continue this journey with me!

 A Young Knight

    A boring, normal day,yes, today was just like every other day before. Just standing here, waiting. But what else could he expect? This was the punishment he had received, after all.


    He was the black sheep of a baron''s family, a family that had once risen through his father''s knighthood. But now, with his father retired, they had settled back in this quiet, little village,a place where barely 400 people lived. Peaceful. Tranquil. A paradise for an old man.


    But for a young boy like him?


    A living, boring hell.


    So, naturally, he played a few pranks on the servants and villagers. Nothing serious, just the usual mischief of a restless child. But then¡­ he went too far.


    A single prank,too extreme. A dishonor to knighthood.


    Something his father would never tolerate.


    And so, he was punished. Forced to perform daily knightly duties guarding, patrolling, standing still before the village gate. For nearly a week now, he had endured this tedious routine. Every single moment of it, he hated. Every second, he cursed himself for his foolishness.


    Why had he dishonored knighthood?


    Had it really been worth it?


    No.


    But at least once this punishment was over, he would never do something like that again. After all, he didn''t want to spend another week stuck with these miserable, menial tasks.


    Today was supposed to be like every other day. Nothing ever happened at the village gate. Nothing ever changed.


    But then,something different.


    A stranger.


    Someone he had never seen before.


    The man''s clothing was strange, unfamiliar,nothing like what the villagers wore. And not only that¡­


    There was something unsettling about him.


    For the first time in his life, the boy felt uncertain. He had never encountered an outsider before.


    What was he supposed to do?


    Panicking a bit, he didn''t know what to do.


    Should he call someone for help? After all, he wasn''t really trained for this kind of task. Or¡­ what else could he do?


    The boy stood there, uncertain, his mind racing through countless scenarios each one more frantic than the last. And before he knew it¡­ it was already too late.


    The stranger was right in front of him.


    The first thing he noticed was the boy''s face,he looked young, no older than himself. But more than that, his eyes were strange.


    Black? Or¡­ blue?


    He wasn''t sure. The color seemed to shift in the light. But the boy''s clothes were just as unusual,a bright blue outfit, unlike anything he had ever seen before.


    Now that he could see him clearly, he was certain.


    This kid was a complete stranger.


    And yet¡­ he was just a child. Not even an adult.


    Which meant,there was no danger.


    With that final thought, the young knight straightened his back, gripping his spear firmly. His voice took on a more serious tone as he spoke:


    "Kid, do you have a problem?"


    Hearing a voice, Yuan''s near mad state of mind lessened. The haze clouding his vision began to clear, and his unfocused eyes slowly locked onto the boy before him.


    A fifteen year old kid with blond hair and green eyes, clad in armor made of mortal iron, holding a simple iron spear.


    He wasn''t wearing a robe. He didn''t have the aura of a cultivator.


    Yuan came to a quick conclusion.


    This was a mortal kingdom. A land of knights.


    But right now, none of that mattered.


    His dry throat burned as he finally spoke,his voice hoarse and weak:


    "Food."


    The young knight blinked.


    "What?"


    Yuan''s voice came out louder this time, strained but clear.


    "Food."


    The boy furrowed his brows, confused. Food? What was this kid talking about?


    What problem could he possibly have with food?


    But before he could ask, Yuan repeated himself, this time slower, as if speaking took everything he had left.


    "Give¡­ food¡­ hungry."


    The moment the words left his mouth, Yuan''s body was wracked with violent coughs. His entire frame trembled from sheer exhaustion.


    The young knight finally understood.


    This kid,he was starving.


    His mind raced. How could this happen? Where had this boy come from? Could it be¡­ bandits? Had they started appearing near the village?


    A flood of possibilities surged through his thoughts, but only one thing mattered right now.


    He needed to give this kid food.


    And once he did, he would report everything to his father.


    If bandits really were lurking nearby¡­ they needed to prepare for an attack


    With that said, the young knight stepped back toward the wooden hut behind him. After just a few minutes, he returned, carrying a piece of bread and a bottle of water. Without hesitation, he handed them to Yuan.


    The moment Yuan saw the food and water in the knight''s hands, he lunged forward, snatching them away without a second thought. The young knight flinched in surprise,he hadn''t expected such a desperate reaction.


    But Yuan didn''t care.


    Slowly, he began to eat, savoring each bite, drinking carefully. And with every swallow, memories of his cursed fate resurfaced.


    For nearly a week, he had wandered,from the Illusion Forest to here and in all that time, he had found nothing.


    No animals. No water. No berries. No fruit.


    Nothing.


    If he hadn''t eaten something soon, he would have died a dog''s death. A humiliating fate for a cultivator.


    Even now, he had only survived thanks to his Azure Basilisk Flame, which allowed him to store a small amount of spiritual essence, preventing him from dying of thirst or hunger. But even such a miraculous technique had its limits. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The young knight, however, said nothing as Yuan ate and drank, merely waiting in silence.


    And so, he watched.


    For a full ten minutes.


    Ten. Long. Minutes.


    If he weren''t currently on knight duty he would have already lost his patience. But for now, he simply swallowed his irritation and endured.


    Finally, Yuan drank the last drop of water, sighed in relief, and gazed up at the cloudy sky. A bright smile spread across his face.


    "So¡­ I wasn''t forsaken by the Heavens after all."


    Hearing those words, the young knight hesitated.


    Forsaken by the Heavens?


    Oh, Heavens¡­ just what had this boy gone through to say something like that?


    Feeling a strange unease settle in, the knight cleared his throat, coughing a few times to catch Yuan''s attention.


    It worked. Yuan turned to him.


    Then, stepping forward, Yuan bowed slightly before him.


    "I must thank you, young knight, for saving my life. Giving me food and water was truly an act of life saving grace."


    Hearing such formal words, the young knight blinked in confusion.


    Did¡­ did a child just say that to me?


    What kind of kid talks like that?


    Awkwardly, he coughed again before finally replying.


    "What life saving grace? Anyone would help a kid like you." He paused, then narrowed his eyes. "So¡­ has something happened to you? Did your caravan get robbed by thieves? Or bandits?"


    Hearing the young knight''s question, Yuan suddenly realized something.


    First,he had completely forgotten that he still looked like a child. Of course, people would see him as one.


    Second,the knight''s immediate assumption about thieves or bandits.


    If he denied it, what could he even say?


    Should he start scheming and lying now? Or should he tell the truth?


    But who would believe a kid like him if he claimed to be a wandering rogue cultivator? Even rogue cultivators wouldn''t be this young!


    He was caught in a dilemma.


    No option seemed good, so he chose the best possible lie.


    It was time to act.


    Taking a deep breath, Yuan''s expression shifted,his eyes filled with fear and sorrow as he spoke:


    "Yes, Sir Knight! Just as you said¡­ my father''s caravan was attacked by a group of black cloaked thieves. Although my father and uncle tried to reason with them, even offering them everything they had, those heartless villains showed no mercy!"


    His voice trembled, his hands clenched into fists.


    "They¡­ they fought against my father and uncle! But thanks to my uncle, who was a martial expert, he was able to buy just enough time for me and my father to escape. My father¡­ he stayed behind, fighting alongside Uncle, hoping to give me enough time to flee."


    He sniffled, lowering his gaze as his voice cracked.


    "I¡­ I knew there was a village around here from a map I once saw. So I ran¡­ and ran¡­ until I finally reached this place."


    As he finished, Yuan''s eyes became watery, and then,tears began to fall.


    His face flushed red, his small frame trembling, tears streaming endlessly down his cheeks.


    Hearing such a heartbreaking tragedy, the young knight felt his own emotions stir.


    How dare those merciless thieves kill innocent people!


    Rage boiled inside him.


    But then, he lowered himself to Yuan''s height, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.


    "Don''t worry, boy! This big brother will help you! You don''t have to worry about anything,I''ll call another knight to take over my shift!"


    The knight puffed up his chest, trying to reassure the young boy.


    "I''ll take care of you! And from now on, you can call me Big Brother Lucas! Okay?"


    Hearing Lucas''s kind words, Yuan smiled faintly, nodding just like a small child would.


    Without hesitation, Lucas led him into the wooden hut, letting him rest on a chair.


    He handed him more food and water, then stood up.


    "Stay here and rest. Don''t run away, alright? I''ll be back soon with a more experienced knight."


    With that, Lucas walked away, leaving Yuan alone in the hut.


    Yuan waited for about half an hour before the wooden door creaked open.


    Through the doorway stepped an older knight, his expression serious.


    Behind him stood Lucas.

 Barony of Icen

    An old man stood before him, clad in heavy armor, his short white hair contrasting against his dark green eyes.


    Just by looking at the knight, Yuan''s mind stirred, pulling forth memories of mortals from Basilisk''s knowledge.


    From what he recalled, mortals who could not walk the path of the Great Dao had instead learned how to resist low level cultivators.


    If his memories were correct, it was said that the strongest martial artists among mortals could even fight against a weak Meridian Cultivator,a feat that, while impressive, held little importance to Basilisk.


    After all, as the only Basilisk of the Azure Dragon Clan, he had been too preoccupied scheming against countless factions to concern himself with mortal affairs.


    Yet, with the knowledge of a Soul Fusion Stage cultivator, Yuan could somewhat understand how mortals used martial arts. It wasn''t as profound as runic formations, divine spells, or even ancient languages, but it had its own place in the world.


    Still, even if a Meridian Cultivator were to fight him, Yuan was confident he could fight him,even if he were pursued by a Bone Refinement Stage cultivator he could safely escape.


    There was nothing to fear.


    So, he simply continued playing the role of a traumatized child.


    Opening the wooden door, the old knight stepped inside, his gaze settling on the young boy before him.


    The child appeared to be eleven or twelve years old,black hair, an azure robe that the knight had only seen a few times before. But the most unusual thing about him


    His eyes.


    Black¡­ but with a hue of azure?


    That was rare. Something he had never seen before.


    For a brief moment, he was surprised,but that surprise quickly faded.


    After all, the world was vast, and nothing was truly impossible. He had already witnessed many strange things in his lifetime.


    There was no need to dwell on it.


    Instead, his focus shifted to why the Young Master had called for him in the first place.


    A group of thieves had attacked a mercenary caravan, killed them for their goods, and the boy barely escaped because his uncle and father had bought time for him.


    A common occurrence in the current state of the kingdom.


    What mattered now was who this boy truly was.


    Was he a noble? Or perhaps the child of a wealthy mercenary?


    But as he observed the young boy sitting there, drinking water with unfocused, blurry eyes, a different emotion surfaced.


    Pity.


    After all¡­ who would want to see an innocent child experience something like this?


    "Hello, young child. I am an elder knight of Baron Icen. Do you know who that is? And where is your family?"


    Hearing the elder knight''s question, Yuan''s expression darkened at the mention of "family." His voice trembled slightly as he spoke.


    "I-I don''t know where my family is¡­ I just know it''s a big city. And Baron Icen? Excuse me for my impudence, but I don''t know who that is."


    The elder knight nodded in understanding.


    "That is fine, young one. Nothing will happen to you. The baron is a kind man,he does not care much for reputation, so it is not uncommon even for nobles not to know his name."


    Pausing for a moment, he then asked, "By ''big city,'' do you mean Count Sword''s Tiger Forest City or Blue Duke''s Mountain Heavens City? Or do you know neither?"


    Now this was a problem.


    Yuan didn''t recognize either of those names. But if he stayed silent, it would be suspicious.


    Choosing at random wasn''t an option.


    However, the title of ''Duke'' sounded higher than ''Count,'' so nodding at the Duke''s city seemed like the safest bet.


    And so, he nodded.


    Watching the boy''s reaction, the old knight''s gaze sharpened.


    The moment Yuan reacted to the name Blue Duke, the elder knight became certain,this boy was from Mountain Heavens City.


    But at the thought of that city, he could only sigh in frustration.


    Leaving Mountain Heavens City? Easy.


    Entering it?


    Impossible,unless you were a count or carried an official allowance letter from the Blue Duke''s officers.


    Neither he nor the baron had such a letter.


    That meant one thing.


    This attack had been planned.


    These weren''t just random bandits or ordinary thieves.


    With a heavy sigh, the old knight looked at the boy and spoke, his voice laced with solemnity.


    "If you truly are from Mountain Heavens City, then I have bad news for you." S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His green eyes bore into Yuan''s own, filled with reluctant sympathy.


    "You cannot return there. Not even with my help. Not even with the baron''s influence. The baron himself cannot enter that city without permission from the Blue Duke''s officers."


    The knight shook his head.


    "So, for now¡­ you can live here in this village."


    Hearing the knight''s solemn words, Yuan visibly trembled, his expression one of utter shock.


    But deep inside¡­ he was celebrating.


    Jackpot.


    He had chosen the right city!


    Of course, the bad news didn''t actually concern him,he had never planned to go there in the first place.


    But this? This was perfect.


    Now, his persona,a lone boy who had suffered misfortune and could not return home,would be even more convincing.


    Besides, he needed a peaceful location before seeking out a sect.


    More importantly,he needed food and water!


    If he had enough food, he could go into seclusion and break through to the Blood Purification Stage in peace.


    And now, with this new fabricated identity, he could ensure he had all the supplies he needed.


    Still, he had to sell the act.


    After pausing for a moment, Yuan slowly nodded his head, his eyes growing even sadder, his body seemingly weighed down by sorrow.


    The picture of a child who had lost everything.


    Seeing Yuan''s increasing sadness, the old knight hesitated, unsure of what to do.


    After all, he was just a knight,a man who had served under Baron Icen since the days of the first war. He had fought alongside the baron, witnessed battles, endured hardships.


    But this?


    Comforting a grieving child?


    That was beyond him.


    With a heavy sigh, he finally spoke.


    "Say, boy, since we''ll be seeing each other more often, would you like to tell me your name?"


    Hearing the elder knight''s question, Yuan slowly nodded, his voice deliberately shaky.


    "M-my name is Yuan."


    The old knight nodded in acknowledgment, then turned to Lucas.


    "Lucas, take him to Viktor. He will take care of him."


    Hearing the name Viktor, Lucas''s expression brightened,he approved of this decision. He then turned to Yuan with a warm smile.


    "Little brother Yuan, come with me! I''ll take you to Old Man Viktor. He''s a kind old man,he''ll take good care of you from now on!"


    With that, Lucas gently took Yuan''s hand and led him out of the wooden hut, giving the old knight one final nod before they departed.


    Now that Yuan had some time and energy, he finally took a good look at the village.


    It was ordinary.


    Wooden and stone houses stood scattered throughout, the streets paved with asphalt. The village radiated a peaceful, quiet atmosphere, a place untouched by war or strife.


    As they walked toward Old Man Viktor''s house, they passed many villagers,all of whom greeted Lucas with respect and warmth.


    Or rather,they greeted him as ''Young Master Lucas.''


    Hearing this, Yuan''s suspicions were confirmed.


    Lucas was the baron''s son.


    Or at the very least, he belonged to the baron''s family.


    After all, in a small village like this, who else other than the baron''s heir would have any real authority?


    Children ran freely through the barony, their laughter echoing in the distance. The adults talked, worked, and went about their daily lives, untouched by the struggles of the outside world.


    A true place of peace.


    But¡­


    Was it really?


    Yuan didn''t know.


    And more importantly,he didn''t care.


    He was already powerful enough to ignore mortal problems.


    With that thought, he cast an indifferent glance at the scene before him and walked on.


    But more than that, Young Master Lucas continued to talk to Yuan about various uninteresting things,things like his father''s achievements for the kingdom.


    Although Yuan found it boring, it was still important to understand the current state of the kingdom.


    Even though Lucas didn''t go into much detail, he did mention one key event,his father had fought against the neighboring kingdom, even killing a general. For a short time, he had become an outstanding general himself, but after suffering a serious injury, he had retired from the army.


    However, by the time he was injured, the war had already ended.


    The two kingdoms had reached an agreement,a peace treaty that prevented them from attacking each other.


    But what exactly was written in that agreement?


    No one knew.


    Only the royal family had access to that information.


    That was the most important thing Lucas had mentioned.


    Aside from that, Young Master Lucas began rambling about the sweets sold in the village, the toys everyone could buy, the playground for children, and many more meaningless things that Yuan had no interest in.


    Still, he pretended to be interested.


    After all, what kind of child didn''t like sweets?


    After what felt like an endless amount of annoying small talk, they finally arrived at a house.


    It looked a bit old, but it was stable,its wood and stone construction matching the other houses in the village.


    However, this house was much larger than the others.


    According to Young Master Lucas, the only house bigger than this one was the baron''s mansion.


    That must be true.


    After all, who would lie about something so insignificant?


    Now standing before the wooden door, Young Master Lucas knocked confidently, his voice loud and clear.


    "Old man, I''m here! Come out!"


    A muffled voice came from inside, followed by the creaking of wood as slow, deliberate footsteps approached.


    Then, the door opened.


    An old man stood in the doorway.


    He had black eyes and black hair streaked with silver, his features carrying the weight of age and wisdom.


    Dressed in a simple black t-shirt and a pair of pants, he wore the same modest fashion as the other villagers.


    But Yuan noticed something unusual,something that wasn''t normal for a mortal.


    Spiritual energy.


    The energy around the old man didn''t behave as it normally would,it didn''t ignore him like it did most mortals.


    No.


    It moved around his body, flowing in a controlled manner, as if a protective treasure was in use.


    However, since Yuan''s cultivation wasn''t yet strong enough to see through such things, he could only guess whether this truly was a treasure or something else.


    But one thing was certain.


    This old man was not ordinary.


    He was, without a doubt, a cultivator!


    Yuan was sure that this old man was at least at the Blood Purification Stage!


    Yet, despite his shock, his expression remained neutral.


    He showed no visible reaction, continuing to act nervous, just as a child in his situation would.


    As Old Man Viktor laid eyes on Young Master Lucas and the unfamiliar child, he raised an eyebrow in curiosity.


    "Little Lucas, who is this brat?"


    With that, Lucas began to explain Yuan''s situation,his voice filled with sympathy as if the heavens had collapsed, leaving the boy completely lost, alone, and without a home.


    Old Man Viktor listened patiently, and once Lucas had finished, he let out a long sigh, his gaze settling on Yuan.


    "Brat, I understand your situation now.


    "Although I wouldn''t normally do something like this¡­ since Little Lucas and Young Eric insisted you come to me, I''ll do them a favor and take you in.


    "So don''t worry,I''ll take care of you."


    Hearing this, Yuan respectfully bowed his head, pressing his hands together in salute.


    "Thank you, Elder! This one is deeply grateful for your generosity!"


    With that, Elder Viktor stepped aside, inviting both Yuan and Young Master Lucas inside.


    However, Lucas politely declined, shaking his head.


    "I appreciate it, but I must return to my duty. Old Knight Eric is only temporarily filling in for me, so I need to get back."


    With those words, Lucas turned and left, disappearing down the road.


    With Young Master Lucas now gone, the elder''s expression hardened.


    His once casual demeanor vanished, replaced by a cold, piercing gaze, completely devoid of the kindness he had shown before.


    Then, his voice rang out,sharp and unwavering.


    "Are you a cultivator or not? And don''t say you don''t know what a cultivator is."


    Hearing this, Yuan remained calm,he had already anticipated the elder''s suspicion.


    After all, only cultivators wore robes.


    Even if he were a mortal, wearing such clothing would mean one of two things:


    He came from a cultivation region that governed mortal kingdoms.


    He was hiding in the mortal world, attempting to blend in.


    There was no third possibility.


    If a mortal lived in a kingdom ruled by cultivators, they would either serve cultivators directly or live in cities where cultivators and mortals coexisted.


    Yet, Yuan stood here, dressed in a plain azure robe,something a mere mortal wouldn''t wear in a place like this.


    That alone was enough to raise suspicion.


    But Yuan had already prepared an explanation.


    The moment he realized that the old man was a cultivator himself, he knew


    He had to be careful with his words.

 Elder Viktor

    "Senior, you are correct! I am a cultivator!"


    Without saying anything else, Yuan admitted it outright, leaving no room for misunderstanding.


    Hearing Yuan''s direct confession, Elder Viktor nodded in satisfaction, pleased by his quick response.


    "Good. Come in,we will talk in the living room."


    As Elder Viktor invited him inside, Yuan''s expression brightened, appearing genuinely happy.


    But it was all an act.


    The moment he stepped forward, his caution heightened.


    After all, this house could be laced with runic formations,traps designed to restrain or even kill him instantly.


    Though such an ambush was unlikely, as rune formations were high-level techniques, it was still a possibility.


    In the cultivation world, anything could happen.


    Even Young Master Basilisk had encountered unforeseen dangers despite his experience.


    Yuan had learned from those mistakes.


    And so, he quietly activated a protective shield, coating himself in Azure Basilisk Flames, prepared to react the moment anything suspicious occurred.


    Following Elder Viktor, Yuan stepped into the living room.


    It was simply furnished,a few leather seats, wooden chairs, a bonfire, and a handful of paintings decorating the walls.


    At first glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.


    But that didn''t lessen Yuan''s caution one bit.


    He remained on high alert, his senses sharp, prepared for anything.


    "Brat, sit wherever you want."


    With that said, Yuan chose one of the wooden chairs, carefully ensuring that no runic formations were inscribed upon it.


    Seeing Yuan take a seat, Elder Viktor grabbed a chair nearby and sat down as well.


    Now that both were seated, the old man finally spoke.


    "So now, brat, tell me your real situation. Where do you come from?"


    Nodding his head, Yuan sighed deeply before speaking, his voice tinged with sadness.


    "It''s not much different from what I told the knights before," he began.


    "My uncle and father had important business to attend to. They couldn''t leave me alone in the city, as they would be gone for a few years. That wouldn''t have been good for me since we had no one else to look after me. And as I am still in the Mortal Awakening Stage, I couldn''t just lock myself in a room and cultivate for years, so they decided to take me with them."


    As he spoke, Yuan sighed again at the mention of his father and uncle, his eyes darkening as memories resurfaced.


    "We traveled with a caravan,one that carried several other cultivators. All of them were at least in the Blood Purification Stage, with the caravan leader himself at the Meridian Awakening Stage. But¡­ we were ambushed. Betrayed.


    "Fellow Daoists,people my father had trusted for years,turned against us. A fight broke out. My father and uncle wanted to flee, but¡­ they realized they were too weak to resist."


    At this point, Yuan''s eyes began to tear up, his voice trembling.


    "They¡­ they saw no way out. The enemy was too powerful,three Meridian Awakening Stage cultivators were among them. The caravan could do nothing to help us. And with even more enemies appearing, the situation was already hopeless."


    His hands clenched into fists.


    "But then¡­ my father realized something. Their leader¡­ he couldn''t afford to keep fighting. He was looking for an escape."


    "Seeing this, my father and uncle fought their way out,cutting down their enemies, trying to at least create a path for me to escape. And they succeeded."


    Tears fell freely now, his face contorted in grief.


    "I survived. Even though the heavens abandoned my father and uncle¡­ they granted me a sliver of favor. Just enough to give me the strength to reach Young Master Lucas and avoid starving to death."


    The old man studied Yuan''s face carefully, observing every facial expression, demeanor, and subtle movement.


    Everything Yuan said made sense,even the starvation.


    After all, the first thing he asked Lucas for was food, not where he was.


    So¡­ was the boy telling the truth?


    Closing his eyes, Elder Viktor fell into deep thought.


    He needed to decide carefully.


    But after just a brief moment, his thoughts shifted to his own past.


    With a sigh, he finally spoke.


    "Alright, I will trust you for now. But tell me,where did you come from? And where were you headed with your father and uncle?"


    Hearing this, Yuan''s expression visibly brightened.


    But internally,his mind raced.


    This was a dangerous question. A gamble.


    One he had to take.


    Even though he wasn''t confident about many things, this time, he had no choice but to rely on Basilisk''s memories.


    He could only hope that these cities still existed¡­


    Or, at the very least, that Elder Viktor didn''t know enough to question him.


    Taking a deep breath, he answered.


    "Yes, that''s no problem. I came from Sweeping Tail City, part of the Heavenly Alliance, and we were headed to Crystal City, under the Yellow East Sect."


    For a brief moment, Yuan watched the old man''s reaction,waiting for any sign of doubt or suspicion.


    But then,Elder Viktor simply nodded.


    The gamble had paid off.


    "Sweeping Tail City¡­ I believe I''ve heard of it before. It should be quite far from here."


    His voice carried no trace of doubt,only casual acknowledgment.


    "And you were headed to Crystal City? Well, that''s not too far from here. From this village, it should take about a year''s travel to reach it."


    Nodding his head, the elder''s tone subtly shifted,no longer as cold and cautious as before.


    Now, he spoke to Yuan in the same way he had spoken to Young Master Lucas,more casual.


    Then, the elder asked,


    "So, brat, what do you plan to do? Do you have any goals? Do you seek revenge, or something else?"


    Hearing this, Yuan fell silent, his mind momentarily blank as he contemplated the question.


    After a few minutes, he finally spoke.


    "Elder, I think I want to join a sect,either a low-ranked or a middle-ranked one."


    "Hmm¡­ you want to join a sect? A middle or low-ranked one?"


    Elder Viktor rubbed his chin, falling into deep thought.


    Then, as if something suddenly came to mind, he nodded.


    "I believe the next disciple selections will take place in a year. All sects will be searching for new disciples then, so you might even have a chance to join a high ranked sect."


    He paused briefly before adding,


    "However, I have an old friend in a cultivator clan. He''s a high-ranked servant there. If you wish, I could ask him if he can arrange for you to join their army."


    "A cultivation clan?"


    Yuan was stunned by the offer.


    For a moment, he considered it.


    But then,something deep within him stirred.


    A deep seated hatred surfaced from the depths of his soul, an instinctive rejection so strong that it made him disgusted at the mere thought of it.


    Even if the clan was powerful, even if they were an elite family, he felt repulsed by the idea.


    Without hesitation, he shook his head firmly.


    "Excuse me, Elder, but I really don''t want to join a clan.


    "My father once told me that the internal factions within clans are far more complex and dangerous than those of a sect. I don''t want to be involved in their power struggles or caught up in any political schemes."


    Hearing Yuan''s words, Elder Viktor nodded in approval, unknowingly acknowledging the wisdom of Yuan''s ''father.''


    "Indeed, faction conflicts within clans are far more complicated."


    His tone carried a hint of agreement, but he still pointed out the other side of the argument.


    "However, clans do have their advantages. If you are in danger, they will always protect their own. And if an enemy comes for them, they stand unified against outside threats."


    He then shook his head and sighed.


    "But, I won''t judge your decision. This is your cultivation path, after all.


    "Do as you wish,as long as it doesn''t involve harming innocent people." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With that said, Elder Viktor left the room, walking towards the kitchen. Before leaving, he asked,


    "Are you hungry?"


    Yuan shook his head. "I already ate. I can eat later."


    Hearing the rejection, Elder Viktor simply nodded.


    "Alright. Then wait here while I eat. After that, I''ll show you your room."


    Yuan waited patiently until the elder returned.


    Once Elder Viktor finished his meal, the two of them walked up to the second floor.


    The upper floor was plain and simple,just a hallway with five doors and a few paintings on the walls.


    Yuan glanced at the paintings only briefly,his real focus was checking for runic formations or hidden spiritual treasures.


    But after a thorough scan, he found nothing suspicious and lost interest in them.


    Elder Viktor walked towards the last door at the end of the hall and opened it.


    "From today onward, this will be your room. You''ll use it and sleep here."


    Stepping inside, Yuan scanned the room.


    It was simple a bed, a wooden table with a chair, a wardrobe, and just enough space to move around.


    Nothing extravagant.


    Nothing luxurious.


    But Yuan didn''t care.


    Even sleeping on the floor wouldn''t have been a problem for him.


    Seeing that Yuan wasn''t dissatisfied, Elder Viktor nodded.


    "The bathroom is the first door on the right. You should rest now,we''ll talk more about your situation tomorrow. But for today, let''s forget everything. You''ve been through too much, and sleep will help calm your mind."


    He continued,


    "If you get hungry, go to the kitchen,there should be some leftover food. As for water, just take one of the bottles I keep stored."


    With nothing more to say, Elder Viktor left the room, closing the door behind him.


    Now, Yuan was alone.


    As Elder Viktor had suggested, Yuan knew that resting would help ease his mind.


    Even though he could endure far greater hardships, allowing his body to relax would keep him in peak condition.


    But before he could let his guard down, he spent the next few hours inspecting the room.


    He checked every corner, every inch of space,looking for hidden runes, formation arrays, or spying treasures.


    Yet, he found nothing.


    No traps.


    No formations.


    It was as if this room truly belonged to him.


    With everything checked and secured, Yuan finally allowed himself to relax.


    He sat cross-legged on the bed, closed his eyes, and began thinking about his next moves.


    But before he could organize his thoughts¡­


    Sleep overtook him.


    His body gave in, and he fell into a deep slumber.


    The night passed without incident.


    Then


    The first light of dawn spilled through the window.


    The sun began to rise.


    And with it,a new day began.

 Preparations

    A knocking sound echoed through the room, stirring Yuan from his sleep.


    Still half asleep, he barely registered it. But when the second knock came, he finally snapped awake.


    His voice was hoarse and drowsy as he responded,


    "Yes?"


    From the other side of the door, Elder Viktor''s voice called out.


    "Did you wake up? Good! Come to the kitchen in ten minutes for breakfast."


    With that, the elder''s footsteps faded away, leaving Yuan in a brief daze.


    Breakfast.


    How long had it been since he last had breakfast?


    It must have been back when he still lived in the village.


    And now that he thought about it...


    What was his village even called?


    The thought made Yuan''s mood sink.


    Too much had happened.


    Too many things he needed to process and accept.


    But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside.


    Right now, he had other priorities.With a deep breath, Yuan began to dress properly, adjusting his robe.


    Now that his mind was clearer, he realized,he desperately needed a bath.


    Well, that was something he could ask Elder Viktor about later.


    For now, his focus was on integrating himself into the Icen Barony and living here for the time being.


    With that decision made, he opened the door and walked toward the staircase, making his way down to the kitchen.


    There was no rush.


    He moved at a steady, unhurried pace.


    Upon entering the kitchen, Yuan immediately took in the scene before him.


    Elder Viktor sat at the table, eating.


    On his plate was bread with cheese and turkey,or at least, that''s what Yuan assumed.


    Not only that, but there was even a teapot on the table.


    This sight sparked a memory,a fragment from Basilisk''s past.


    Basilisk had loved tea.


    Not just as a simple drink, but as something far more profound.


    He had even crafted his own tea, blending it from rare herbs and spiritual plants.


    But his tea was no ordinary beverage.


    It was a spiritual tea, refined over centuries.


    He had once read in ancient texts that tea could be compared to the Dao itself.


    That many powerful beings had used their insight into the Dao to craft tea that could help others advance in cultivation.


    Some even became famous for their ability to brew tea that could strengthen the soul and sharpen one''s path in the Dao.


    But as Yuan observed Elder Viktor''s tea, he quickly realized,it was just plain, ordinary tea.


    Nothing like the refined, spiritually enriched tea that Young Master Basilisk had once enjoyed.


    Still, Yuan didn''t care about that for now.


    As he glanced at the food and tea, Yuan suddenly noticed another person at the table.


    It was a girl, around his age,perhaps even a year younger.


    She had black hair and black eyes, dressed in a simple green t-shirt and a pair of leather pants. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    By human standards, she was quite attractive, though that was irrelevant to Yuan.


    What truly caught his attention was something else entirely.


    She was also at the Peak Stage of the Mortal Awakening Realm.


    That surprised Yuan greatly.


    It was highly unusual for someone so young to reach this stage.


    Most humans only peaked at the Mortal Awakening Stage around the age of sixteen.


    Only the most talented individuals from high-ranking clans or sects could reach this level as early as eleven or fourteen.


    As Yuan stared at the black haired girl, she suddenly looked up and met his gaze.


    Then, with a small nod, she spoke.


    "So Grandpa was right,you do look quite handsome!"


    That caught Yuan off guard.


    Handsome?


    Well¡­ technically, that was true.


    Although he would never call himself handsome, the Azure Basilisk Flame had purified many of the impurities from his skin, enhancing his physical appearance.


    But to say it so bluntly to his face?


    Yuan was momentarily taken aback, but quickly composed himself, flashing a polite smile.


    "Thank you, young miss, for the compliment."


    The black haired girl simply nodded, as if his gratitude was expected.


    "Indeed, you should be thankful!" she said, grinning slightly. "Grandpa said your name is Yuan, right? Well, you should know,my name is Emilia."


    Yuan looked at Emilia, his expression calm, and responded with a small smile.


    "Then, hello, Emilia. As you already know, I am Yuan. Since it seems we will be living together for the time being, I hope we can get along well."


    Before either of them could say more, Elder Viktor let out a slight sigh and spoke.


    "Now that you two have introduced yourselves, can we eat first and then talk about important matters?"


    Yuan nodded in agreement.


    "Elder is right. We should eat first and talk afterward."


    Yuan grabbed a chair and sat down, beginning to eat the food laid out on the table.


    For the next ten minutes, they ate in comfortable silence.


    Once they finished, Elder Viktor and Emilia had already started drinking their tea.


    Now that breakfast was over, Yuan took a cup, poured himself some tea, and took his first sip.


    It wasn''t like the tea Basilisk used to drink, but it was bearable.


    Still, he didn''t show any dissatisfaction.


    Instead, he nodded approvingly and said,


    "Good tea."


    Hearing this, Elder Viktor smiled, pleased with the compliment.


    "Indeed, it is good tea. It was made right here in the village!"


    "Impressive. Truly impressive," Yuan said, nodding again as he took a second sip.


    Once everyone had eaten and sipped their tea, Elder Viktor set his cup down and spoke.


    "Now that we''ve all finished, let''s move on to important matters."


    His eyes turned to Yuan.


    "First of all, my granddaughter Emilia will be coming with us. She has good talent and should be able to join a decent sect. Not like this old man."


    With a slight chuckle, Elder Viktor took another sip of tea.


    Yuan nodded calmly, signaling that he had no objections.


    "So, when do the sects start recruiting disciples?" he asked.


    Hearing this, Elder Viktor let out a small chuckle.


    "You don''t need to worry too much. In half a year, several sects will be recruiting disciples in the capital city of the Kingdom of Wolven.


    "For the next six months, you should just focus on cultivation and training. We''ll leave for the capital in five months, as the journey takes about three weeks. That will give us a week to settle before the recruitment begins."


    Half a year.


    That was enough time for him.


    If he dedicated himself to cultivation, he could refine his body and reach the Perfect threshold of the Blood Purification Stage.


    Then, at the final moment before recruitment, he could break through and enter the Blood Purification Stage.


    Yes¡­


    Half a year was just enough.


    With a slight nod, Yuan simply said,


    "I have no issues with this arrangement."


    And so, time continued to pass.


    Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and soon, the seasons changed.


    Summer arrived.


    During this time, Yuan cultivated like a madman, emerging from his training only when absolutely necessary,whether it was for meals, brief interactions, or the occasional visit from Young Master Lucas.


    Lucas often came to talk or show him basic mortal sword techniques.


    In the eyes of Young Master Lucas, the two had become good friends.


    But in reality, Yuan didn''t particularly enjoy their time together.


    To him, every moment spent conversing or practicing mortal sword tricks was time wasted,time that could have been spent cultivating.


    Still, he had to keep up his act.


    After all, he was just a child, wasn''t he?


    But even Lucas wasn''t the most annoying person in his life.


    No,that title belonged to Emilia.


    For heaven''s sake, how did such an arrogant brat even think about cultivating?


    She had no discipline.


    She barged into his room without knocking.


    She constantly asked him to do things for her, acting as though he were her personal servant.


    And the worst part?


    She expected him to comply.


    Because of this, Yuan became increasingly cautious around both Elder Viktor and Emilia.


    He continued to play his role as an obedient child, hiding his true nature without showing the slightest sign of dissatisfaction.


    He held no attachment to them and no real care for their treatment of him.


    Though Emilia was an arrogant child, Elder Viktor remained consistently kind.


    And that,more than anything else,made Yuan suspicious.


    They had given him a place to stay, food to eat, and never asked him to do any chores or work around the house.


    Why?


    Why would they be so kind to a complete stranger?


    It could only mean one thing.


    The elder was scheming against him.


    Yuan could sense it.


    No one in this world offers kindness without expecting something in return.


    Either Elder Viktor was a fool, or he had far deeper intentions behind his actions.


    Yuan refused to trust blindly.


    If there was one thing he had learned about the cultivation world, it was this


    It is filled with endless schemes and hidden traps.


    One misstep, and you could die without even realizing your mistake.


    Even the Basilisk had fallen because of one fatal error.


    So being overly cautious was never wrong.


    Determined to uncover the elder''s true intentions, Yuan played his role well.


    Like a curious child, he asked about Elder Viktor''s past, listening as if he were speaking to a grandfather.


    The elder spoke at length, sharing stories of his younger years.


    But Yuan didn''t actually care about the past.


    He only wanted to gauge the elder''s strength,to determine whether he had powerful backers or hidden allies.


    And from what he learned...


    That wasn''t the case.


    At least, that''s what Elder Viktor claimed.


    But there was always the possibility that the elder was lying.


    Yuan wasn''t about to let his guard down.


    Now, with just one week left before their departure from Icen Barony, Yuan made a decision.


    He would craft an artifact.


    Although it wouldn''t be powerful, he could create a simple tool in just a week, thanks to the Azure Basilisk Flame.


    Even a small defensive measure could mean the difference between life and death in the world of cultivators.


    And then, the day arrived,the day they would depart for the capital of the kingdom, Wolven.


    "Yuan, wake up! The carriage is ready!"


    A familiar female voice called out, breaking the morning silence.


    Yuan''s eyes snapped open, his gaze cold and emotionless.


    But within seconds, that coldness faded, replaced by a warm and innocent expression,one that would make anyone see him as nothing more than a harmless child.


    "Okay, I''m coming now."


    With those words, Yuan rose from his bed, dressing himself in his azure robes.


    Before stepping out, he slipped a small item into his long sleeve, concealing it from sight.


    Now, he was truly prepared,ready to face the Grandfather and Granddaughter pair.

 to the Capital,Wolven

    Step. Step.


    Walking toward the wooden door, Yuan''s mind raced, analyzing everything he knew about the spoiled girl and the scheming elder.


    Emilia,the spoiled girl.


    She likely knew nothing about any hidden schemes. Probably.


    After all, she was foolish,so foolish that she would guaranteed die a dog''s death if left to her own devices.


    But the real problem was her grandfather.


    Elder Viktor.


    An old man, nearly a hundred years old, already with one foot in the grave.


    He had no hope of advancing to the Meridian Awakening Stage,he was simply too old.


    Without miraculous medicine or rare elixirs, his cultivation had long since stagnated.


    But his experience made him dangerous.


    He had once been an outer disciple in a low-ranking sect, one that had long since ceased to exist.


    According to his own words, the sect had been at war,a war they were doomed to lose.


    The enemy was far stronger, and when his sect was destroyed, the surviving leaders were slaughtered.


    The victors did not stop there,they hunted down every last disciple, turning the remnants of the sect into a massacre.


    At least two thousand died.


    Only the strongest survived.


    Only those who could run escaped.


    Just from that story alone, Yuan understood the kind of man Elder Viktor was.


    Cunning. Ruthless. A survivor.


    To survive the annihilation of a sect was a feat few could claim.


    Even the most talented cultivators often fell in such battles.


    Yet Elder Viktor had fled the bloodbath, evaded pursuit, and stayed alive to this day.


    That meant one thing.


    He was an expert at escaping death.


    But so was Yuan.


    Elder Viktor had plenty of experience, but he would never suspect what kind of monster Yuan truly was.


    After all,who would ever believe that a twelve-year-old child could fight a Meridian Awakening cultivator?


    No one.


    If Yuan made such a claim, he would be laughed at and called a fool.


    And yet,it was the truth.


    Yuan could kill a Meridian Awakening cultivator.


    He could even fight a Bone Forging cultivator.


    But there was a limit.


    He couldn''t defeat them in one strike.


    Against a Blood Purification cultivator, his Azure Basilisk Flames were instant death.


    But against a Meridian Awakening cultivator?


    His attacks were slow,too slow.


    But once his flames landed¡­


    They wouldn''t survive.


    A Meridian Awakening cultivator could endure the flames for only a few seconds before perishing.


    Only a Bone Forging cultivator could withstand the Azure Basilisk Flames,but even they would suffer.


    The flames would burn them continuously, inflicting pain with every passing second.


    It wouldn''t kill them, but it would torment them.


    With all these thoughts running through his mind, Yuan could only hope that Elder Viktor didn''t have a powerful protective artifact.


    Taking a deep breath, he opened the wooden door.


    The morning sun shone against his outstretched hand, its warmth pleasant yet meaningless to him.


    Above, the sky was clear,a perfect day for travel.


    His gaze swept across the surroundings, searching for the carriage.


    After a brief moment of scanning, he found it.


    Elder Viktor was already seated, fully prepared to depart.


    And beside him,Emilia.


    The spoiled girl sat impatiently, shifting in her seat, clearly eager to leave.


    Yuan exhaled softly.


    It was time.


    Yuan wore a smile and casually waved his hand toward Elder Viktor.


    The elder returned the gesture, waving back.


    Meanwhile, the spoiled brat, Emilia, turned to look at Yuan, her expression impatient.


    "Come here already!" she yelled. "We want to reach the capital on time, not in a year!"


    Yuan could swear to the heavens,if he wasn''t being so cautious around the elder, he would have tortured that arrogant girl to death using every single art the Basilisk had ever mastered.


    But he restrained himself.


    Instead, he simply chuckled, brushing off Emilia''s attitude, and responded with a feigned cheerfulness:


    "Yes, yes, I''m coming now!"


    With that, Yuan ran toward the carriage like a carefree child, his steps light and foolish-looking.


    Upon reaching it, he chose to sit at the back, away from the elder and Emilia.


    Now that everyone was ready, Elder Viktor laughed heartily.


    "Hahaha! Now we can finally begin our journey to the capital! Here we come!"


    With those words, the elder tugged the reins, commanding the horses to move.


    The carriage lurched forward, beginning its long journey toward the mortal kingdom''s capital,Wolven.


    Now, there was no turning back.


    The game of schemes had begun.


    Plots and deceptions would slowly unravel, step by step, until the moment he would either be trapped, used, or killed.


    Who could predict what truly lurked in the mind of a human?


    One thing was certain,something would happen.


    And when it did, Yuan had to be ready.


    At all times.


    Even though he had no desire to fight or plot against others, this opportunity was simply too valuable to waste.


    He had already starved once,he would never allow himself to go through that again.


    But this time¡­


    He was prepared.


    For the challenges.


    For the dangers.


    Even for the food problem,he had already solved that himself.


    Now, all he had to do was wait¡­ and survive.


    Yuan had already considered running away.


    After all, he knew the capital''s location.


    But to join a sect, one had to either be nobility from a mortal kingdom or be recommended by a noble.


    Although Yuan could kill the baron and force him to grant a recommendation, that would only lead to disastrous consequences.


    He would end up offending the sects,making it impossible to join them.


    So, unfortunately, that option was not viable.


    However, this realization gave him an important clue about the sects themselves.


    They were all righteous sects.


    After all, for demonic or evil sects, it didn''t matter where their recruits came from.


    Righteous sects cared deeply about reputation and face.


    They followed strict moral codes, maintained prestige, and upheld the so-called justice of the cultivation world.


    Evil sects, on the other hand, had no such restrictions.


    They operated under a different rule,strength above all.


    But while both righteous and evil sects were fundamentally different, they had one common enemy


    The Demonic Sects.


    Unlike evil sects, which pursued power and ambition, demonic sects were in a league of their own.


    They thrived on slaughter, blood rituals, and dark pacts with demons.


    By offering flesh and blood, they gained cultivation in return.


    Because of this, both righteous and evil sects hunted demonic sects, creating what could even be considered an unspoken alliance.


    But despite this, demonic sects still existed.


    And the reason for their survival was frighteningly simple.


    They were replaceable.


    A demonic sect could easily transform a mortal into a Bone Forging cultivator, as long as sufficient offerings were made.


    And why did demons support humans in this way?


    The answer was clear to Yuan.


    Basilisk had encountered many demons in the past, having fought and killed them countless times.


    His flesh and blood were highly prized, being the only Basilisk alive.


    For years, demons relentlessly hunted him, craving his unique body for their dark rituals.


    But one day,they simply stopped.


    At first, Basilisk was confused.


    Why had they suddenly lost interest?


    Curiosity drove him to investigate, and what he discovered shocked him.


    Demons weren''t chasing him anymore because the ones who had pursued him in the past were not true demons.


    The beings he had slaughtered had merely been demonically infected cultivators.


    Real demons,true demons,didn''t wander the world freely.


    Instead, they resided in the Demonic Continent, a massive landmass protected by an ancient, powerful rune formation.


    This formation required endless blood and countless souls to sustain itself.


    It was a barrier, one that prevented anyone but demons from stepping foot on their lands.


    This knowledge deeply unsettled Basilisk at the time.


    If true demons never left their continent¡­


    Then who or what were the ones he had been fighting all those years?


    And that''s when he deduced the horrifying truth.


    Demons didn''t just exist separately from humans.


    They infected them.


    Corrupted them.


    Turned them into puppets.


    And the beings Basilisk had fought in the past?


    They weren''t demons.


    They were humans who had already fallen under demonic influence.


    After learning the truth, Basilisk no longer cared about demons.


    They had only ever sent puppets to kill him,never their true forces.


    So, as far as he was concerned, they weren''t worth his attention anymore.


    Although evil and demonic sects were often described as black and gray, the so-called righteous sects and clans were by no means saints or Buddhas.


    If anything, they were the worst hypocrites of all.


    They masked their cruelty behind noble words, yet in reality, they were often more ruthless than even evil sects.


    Basilisk''s own clan,the Azure Dragon Clan,was one such ''righteous'' clan.


    But through his experience, he had learned how to navigate their endless schemes and politics.


    If he had to pretend to be a pig so he could one day swallow the tiger of the mountain, then so be it.


    It would be annoying, but he would gladly endure it if it meant reaching his goals.


    And so, the carriage departed the village, traveling across various landscapes, cities, and villages.


    But as the journey continued, nothing happened.


    Nothing out of the ordinary.


    Nothing suspicious.


    And that confused Yuan.


    Had he been too cautious?


    Had Elder Viktor never been scheming against him at all?


    Was the old man truly just a foolish but kind-hearted person? S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These thoughts lingered in his mind as time passed.


    No matter how closely he observed them, neither Elder Viktor nor Emilia acted any differently.


    They were exactly the same as before.


    Eventually, the carriage arrived at the mortal capital, Wolven.


    And by then, with countless thoughts running through his mind, something strange had begun to happen.


    His perception of the grandfather and granddaughter pair¡­ slowly began to change.


    Over the course of the journey, there were moments when he no longer needed to act.


    Moments when he let his guard down, even slightly.


    Moments when he even enjoyed the time he spent with Elder Viktor.


    Even so, deep within his heart, he remained cautious.


    No matter how comfortable he became, he was always prepared for danger.


    But still, a new thought emerged.


    Maybe¡­


    Just maybe¡­


    Could he actually become friends with the spoiled brat?


    After all, she was just a child, not an adult.


    With a little guidance, a little effort, perhaps he could reeducate this rotten, spoiled child.


    Perhaps, instead of seeing her as a nuisance, he could turn her into someone useful.


    Time would tell.


    As the capital of Wolven finally came into view, the spoiled child, Emilia, could barely contain her excitement.


    Her eyes sparkled like shining stars, completely captivated by the sight of the grand city.


    Seeing her childlike wonder, Yuan couldn''t help but be amused.


    A small chuckle escaped him.


    But the sound of his laughter snapped Emilia out of her daze.


    She turned toward him, pouting in annoyance.


    "What''s so funny?" she demanded.


    Yuan simply shook his head, his expression calm.


    "Nothing. It''s just a beautiful scene¡­ looking at the capital."


    Of course, the capital wasn''t special at all.


    To a cultivator, it was no more than a primitive village.


    Compared to the grand, towering structures of the powerful sects and clans Basilisk had seen in his past life, mortal buildings held no interest for him.


    As they approached the capital, Elder Viktor spoke up.


    "We''ll stop here for the night and enter the capital by lunchtime tomorrow."


    It wasn''t a request,it was a decision.


    Yuan, having no say in the matter, simply nodded without care.


    After all, the area around the capital was safe.


    There were no monsters, no unintelligent demonic beasts lurking nearby.


    The only possible threat was bandits.


    But no powerful bandit group would be foolish enough to operate near the capital.


    That would be suicide.


    So, with no real danger present, they set up camp for the night.


    As night fell, they ate as usual, sharing a meal prepared by Elder Viktor.


    Yuan took his portion, eating without suspicion.


    But the moment he took a bite, something felt¡­ off.


    A faint, familiar spice coated his tongue.


    It wasn''t present in any of their previous meals.


    The realization hit him like a hammer.


    This wasn''t just an ordinary spice.


    It was the spice of betrayal.

 Betrayal of the Elder

    Betrayal.


    A person you once trusted turning their back on you.


    A knife in the back, whether metaphorically or literally.


    That is the meaning of betrayal.


    Basilisk had been betrayed countless times, just as he himself had betrayed others just as often.


    A normal, sad reality in the world of cultivation.


    Why do people betray?


    There are countless reasons.


    Survival.


    When faced with certain death, one may sacrifice another to escape,using them as bait to ensure their own survival.


    Benefits.


    As long as you are useful, people will smile at you, laugh with you, and act as your closest allies.But the moment you lose your value, they will betray you without hesitation,or worse, kill you to silence you.


    These two reasons were the core of all betrayals.


    And for Basilisk, they were the reasons both he and others had betrayed countless times.


    An endless cycle of survival and self-interest.


    Although Yuan already understood this cruel reality, experiencing it firsthand once again was still heartbreaking.


    This was the second time in his life that he had witnessed betrayal with his own eyes.


    The Azure Ghost, Basilisk, had betrayed him for survival.


    It was a twisted but logical act.


    He had schemed to escape, desperate to free himself from his prison.


    That, at least, was reasonable.


    But this betrayal,the one by Elder Viktor and his granddaughter,was not.


    They had not betrayed him out of fear.


    They had not betrayed him to escape.


    No, certainly not.


    Because when Yuan looked into Elder Viktor''s eyes, he saw no panic, no fear, no desperation.


    The elder was calm. Collected.


    That fact alone told him everything.


    Now that the food was poisoned, Yuan could only guess what kind of poison it was.


    With Basilisk''s knowledge, he quickly identified it.


    A poison used not to kill, but to enslave.


    The Colorless Mind Demon Binding Poison.


    A subtle yet terrifying toxin, one that infuses a person''s mind and qi with the essence of another, forging an unbreakable bond between master and servant.


    A poison not meant to end a life,but to take control of it completely.


    The Colorless Mind Demon Binding Poison was infamous for its effectiveness and utility.


    Many evil cultivators used this poison to enslave others, binding them in absolute servitude.


    However, it had one major weakness,it was only effective on cultivators below the Marrow Essence Stage.


    Any cultivator who had surpassed this level would be immune to its effects.


    Even though higher grade versions of this poison existed, they were still useless against high-ranking cultivators, let alone someone at the Soul Fusion Stage like Basilisk.


    To bind a being of such power was simply impossible.


    Despite its fearsome reputation, the Colorless Mind Demon Binding Poison was not without cures.


    Some famous alchemists and Divine Doctors had discovered various methods to counteract its effects.


    Among them, theire were well known methods


    Killing the Master


    The simplest method is Kill the person who administered the poison.However, due to the nature of the poison, the afflicted cannot go against their master''s will, making this option nearly impossible.


    Purification Herbs


    Certain rare herbs were capable of cleansing the spirit of impurities.As a side effect, they could also eliminate all poisons from the body.However, such herbs were extremely rare and prohibitively expensive, making them unattainable for low and mid rank cultivators.


    The Flame Poison Cleansing Demonic Beast Technique


    Among the nine known cures, this was the most suitable for Yuan''s current situation.A technique designed for cultivators with flame-based abilities, allowing them to burn away poison from within.This method was perfect for Yuan, as he possessed the Azure Basilisk Flame.


    With the solution already determined, Yuan''s initial concern faded.


    Now, he could think clearly,with cold, indifferent rationality.


    The poison was no longer a threat.


    Now, it was time to focus on the true problem.


    Without any hesitation, Yuan ate the food served by Elder Viktor, his expression calm and unbothered.


    He even praised the meal, saying


    "Today''s food is excellent. I wouldn''t mind eating this again sometime."


    Hearing this, Elder Viktor chuckled, seemingly amused by the compliment.


    Slowly, the Colorless Mind Demon Binding Poison began to activate within his spirit.


    A formless qi started to materialize, coiling around his still-mortal spirit like an invisible serpent.


    Then, the formless qi began to take shape, transforming into white chains that started binding his very soul.


    He could feel the connection forming, an invisible link between him and his captor.


    It was happening.


    Barely ten minutes after they finished eating, Yuan''s body felt heavier.


    It was as if the very gravity around him had increased, pressing down on him with unbearable force.


    His limbs grew weak.


    His breath became ragged.


    His vision blurred as he collapsed onto the ground, powerless to move.


    His body was failing him.


    His breathing turned rough,heavy pants escaping his lips.


    As he lay helpless, he heard footsteps approaching.


    Even without seeing them, he already knew who it was.


    The Scheming Elder, Viktor.


    And the spoiled brat, Emilia.


    His gaze slowly lifted, and he forced himself to look at their faces.


    Elder Viktor''s cold, indifferent eyes stared down at him, void of emotion or hesitation.


    Then, his eyes shifted to Emilia.


    Her gaze wasn''t indifferent like her grandfather''s.


    No,her expression was different.


    There was hesitation in her eyes.


    A look of unease, dissatisfaction.


    As if she didn''t truly want this to happen.


    But Yuan could no longer focus on the expressions of the elder and the girl.


    The pain was too much.


    With a hoarse, pleading voice, he forced out the words:


    "Elder¡­ please¡­ it hurts¡­ this pain is unbearable¡­ Please¡­ help me!"


    His voice was ugly, broken, filled with desperate cries and sobs.


    A pathetic display.


    But the elder did nothing.


    He didn''t answer.


    He didn''t react.


    He only stood there, coldly watching Yuan''s suffering.


    Unlike the elder, Emilia''s expression wavered.


    There was hesitation in her eyes,a flicker of humanity.


    She turned to her grandfather, speaking with a hint of frustration:


    "Grandfather, why don''t we just speed up the process? Why make him suffer unnecessarily?We already have him under control.I can feel it.His spirit¡­ the spiritual connection¡­ the poison has already taken hold."


    Elder Viktor shook his head.


    "That isn''t possible."


    His voice was calm, measured,completely indifferent.


    "If we stop now, he may start thinking he has a chance to resist.A chance to escape.Or worse,a chance to betray you later.But if we let him experience true suffering, if we carve it deep into his soul¡­ he will learn.He will understand that disobedience brings only pain. So much pain that he would rather choose death than defiance.That is how you ensure absolute control."


    Oh, how true those words were.


    Even Yuan had to admit it.


    Had their positions been reversed, he would have done the same.


    But that didn''t mean he could forgive it.


    The pain was real.


    Excruciating.


    And even though he knew of the cure, even though he understood that he would survive this¡­


    That didn''t make it hurt any less.


    Neither Yuan nor Basilisk were people who enjoyed pain.


    And right now, there was nothing he could do except endure it.


    Emilia looked down at Yuan''s agonized face.


    She saw his pain, his pleas, his suffering.


    For a moment, she hesitated again.


    But then, she let out a sigh and nodded.


    Elder Viktor, seeing her acceptance, gave a satisfied nod in return.


    "Good. You are learning."


    And so, the torture continued.


    Yuan endured.


    And endured.


    And endured.


    He had lost count of how many times he cursed the elder and the girl, swearing that he would one day repay them with the most excruciating torments he knew.


    Even his rationality began to slip, the overwhelming pain threatening to consume his mind.


    But he clung to his will.


    He refused to break.


    Elder Viktor watched carefully.


    He was experienced in such matters.


    And he knew that if they went too far, Yuan would lose his sanity,or worse, become permanently disabled.


    That was not their goal.


    This poison was expensive, and its purpose was to subjugate, not destroy.


    So, when the time was right, he finally called an end to it.


    The pain finally ended.


    Yuan felt true relief as the hellish torture came to a stop.


    With the agony gone, he simply lay on the grass, gasping for breath, his body drenched in sweat.


    His lungs burned, his heart pounded, and for once, he wasn''t playing the role of an exhausted boy.


    He was exhausted.


    This time, he wasn''t acting.


    But who allowed him to relax?


    The elder''s cold voice shattered the momentary peace


    "Brat, from today onward, you are Emilia''s servant.If you disobey her, you will experience the same pain again.And again.And again.Just as you did today.And don''t even think about escaping.The poison I used on you allows me to track your location, no matter where you go,now or in the future.So be a good servant and serve Emilia with everything you have."


    More pain?


    For a brief moment, true fear gripped Yuan''s heart.


    But then, he simply nodded.


    He didn''t protest.


    He didn''t resist.


    He only continued gasping for breath, focusing on recovering.


    Seeing Yuan''s obedient nod, the elder smirked in satisfaction.


    "Good. You know your place, brat.Tomorrow, we enter the capital and head to the Howling Wind branch Sect.You will join Emilia as an outer disciple.So rest now and prepare to be a good servant." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With that, the scheming elder turned away, heading toward his tent.


    Emilia followed behind him but, before leaving, she stole one last glance at Yuan.


    Then, without a word, she turned away and disappeared into the night.


    For half an hour, Yuan simply lay there, staring at the starry sky.


    The endless stars shimmered above him, their light soft yet powerful.


    He smiled.


    The stars looked beautiful tonight.


    And as he gazed upon them, his eyes flickered a deep, glowing azure light illuminating his irises.


    Then, with calm precision, he began.


    Yuan activated the Flame Poison Cleansing Demonic Beast Technique.


    A rare anti poison technique specifically designed by demonic beasts.


    Though not widely known, it was not unheard of among high ranking sects and clans of demonic beast.


    It was even used by some demonic beast cultivators as a method to develop their own beast flames.


    Not the best method, but still superior to many others.


    As Yuan channeled his technique, the Azure Basilisk Flames surged within him, adapting to the purification process.


    Following the technique''s instructions, he purified his body and spirit, allowing the flames to refine him completely.


    And once his body and spirit were cleansed¡­


    The white chain qi would weaken.


    And then, with just a bit more effort¡­


    He would break free from Emilia''s control.

 Howling Wind Branch Sect Trial (1)

    "Sigh¡­"


    Yuan let out a deep breath as he noticed the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon.


    Standing up, he stretched his body, feeling the stiffness in his muscles, then sighed once more,this time, deeper.


    He had come to a painful conclusion.


    He would not be free anytime soon.


    The Flame Poison Cleansing Demonic Beast Technique was a high-level technique, and fully refining it would take months,perhaps even a year if he was unlucky.


    Even worse¡­ he couldn''t even use the technique yet.


    Despite knowing how to control it, despite understanding its principles, something felt wrong.


    During his attempts to refine his Azure Basilisk Flames, he realized a crucial mistake.


    His body was not the same as Basilisk''s.


    And because of that, his calculations were all wrong.


    Everything he planned so far,from his escape to his cultivation progress,had been based on the assumptions of his past body.


    Not this one.


    Because of this oversight, everything would take much longer than he expected.


    Everything¡­ except his advancement to the Blood Purification Stage.


    Blood purification did not require cultivation techniques,only time and patience.


    He could have forced the process faster using certain techniques, but that would corrupt his foundation, leading to an impure cultivation.


    And at higher stages, purity was far more important than speed.


    So for now¡­


    He could do nothing but wait.


    Wait until he properly refined his Azure Basilisk Flames.


    Wait until he could fully use the technique.


    And only then¡­


    Would he be able to break free.


    With all other concerns set aside, Yuan could now focus entirely on the sect he would soon join.


    What was its name again?


    Ah, right,the Howling Wind Branch Sect.


    The fact that it was called a "branch sect" implied something important:


    There was a higher-ranking main sect somewhere.


    Which also meant that Elder Viktor didn''t have as much power as he made it seem.


    Perhaps he was just a Bone Refining or Marrow Essence cultivator.


    Maybe he was an elder of the branch sect.


    Or possibly¡­ even the sect head himself.


    But as the old saying goes¡­


    Always be prepared for the worst.


    The name "Howling Wind" intrigued Yuan.


    "Wind" represented freedom.


    "Howling" carried a sense of ferocity and power.


    Could this mean the sect was a brute-force sect?


    Was it a righteous sect or an evil one?


    But then again¡­


    Did it even matter?


    Good and evil in the cultivation world were merely illusions.


    Both sides were filled with hypocrites.


    Why should he care?


    With all his thoughts organized, Yuan walked forward, his body trembling, his eyes filled with fear.


    A submissive, broken figure,one who had experienced horrors he could never recover from.


    The perfect image for the current Yuan.


    As he approached, he saw the old schemer and the girl.


    They were sitting in the carriage, eating and laughing.


    Then, they noticed him.


    The old man snorted, unimpressed by Yuan''s trembling and fearful state.


    With a cold sneer, he tossed a pouch of water and a piece of bread toward him.


    "Come here, and we''ll leave."


    His voice was cold, indifferent.


    Hearing this, Yuan lowered his head, his trembling intensifying,a reaction that earned him another sneer from the old man.


    The young girl, however, simply looked at Yuan with pity.


    But she said nothing.


    And so, Yuan silently walked to the back of the carriage.


    Sitting down, he began to eat the bread and drink some water.


    All while his mind carefully planned his next move.


    As they traveled toward Wolven, it took only a few hours before they began encountering more people along the way.


    They passed by mercenaries, adventurers, mortal martial artists, and even a noble.


    Emilia was excited, her eyes filled with curiosity and wonder at the growing crowd of people.


    But Yuan?


    He didn''t even spare them a glance.


    He simply continued acting his role,the traumatized child who had seen too much for his age.


    Soon, they arrived at the Kingdom''s capital,Wolven.


    The city was massive, filled with thousands of mortals bustling through the streets.


    Yuan even spotted a few Mortal Awakening cultivators hidden among the crowd.


    But Elder Viktor didn''t react at all, as if it was expected.


    Which made sense.


    Mortal Awakening was the lowest stage of cultivation.


    Even spotting a few Blood Purification cultivators in a mortal kingdom wouldn''t be surprising.


    But strangely¡­


    Yuan didn''t see a single one.


    They continued through the capital streets, stopping in front of an inn with an unusual name:


    "Relaxing Wind."


    A strange name for an inn.


    It sounded more like a brothel than a place for travelers.


    But this wasn''t a mistake.


    Yuan could tell that Elder Viktor had chosen this place deliberately.


    Could it have something to do with the Howling Wind Branch Sect?


    After all¡­


    The word "Wind" was in both names.


    A coincidence?


    Maybe.


    But Yuan''s instincts told him otherwise.


    Before Yuan could think further, Elder Viktor spoke.


    "Come. We''ll take a room here and wait for a week. Then, you two will join the sect."


    Yuan simply nodded, trembling, keeping up his fearful act.


    Then, they were assigned their rooms.


    Yuan Room 4,Emilia Room 3,Elder Viktor Room 5


    That meant Yuan was placed between the elder and Emilia.


    But that didn''t bother him.Entering Room 4, Yuan observed his surroundings.


    The room was not large, but it was big enough for his needs.


    It contained only the essentials:


    A bed.A table.A single chair.


    Practically empty.


    But that was fine.


    Yuan simply closed the door, sat atop the bed, and crossed his legs.


    He had a week.


    A week to plan.


    A week to prepare.


    And a week to refine his flames, one step closer to break free.


    For seven days, Yuan remained inside his room, only leaving when he was hungry.


    During this time, Emilia also cultivated, aiming to reach the Blood Purification Stage.


    Based on Yuan''s calculations, she would likely break through in one or two years,assuming she didn''t take any medicinal pills to accelerate the process.


    To ascend to the Blood Purification Stage, a cultivator must first awaken every mortal sense from the Mortal Awakening Stage.


    Once all five senses are heightened, the next step is to:


    Sense the spiritual essence in the surroundings.Draw the essence into the body and allow it to flow into the bloodstream.Fuse the essence with blood cells, purifying them.


    Once a cultivator successfully purifies 1% of their blood in theire body, they officially step into the Blood Purification Stage.


    From there, the process accelerates, as already purified blood naturally attracts more spiritual essence, making it easier to continue purifying the rest.


    As for himself,he had already purified 0.99% of his blood.


    He could step into the Blood Purification Stage at any second.


    But he chose not to.


    Why?


    Because if he broke through now, both Elder Viktor and Emilia would immediately notice.


    With the binding poison still active, he couldn''t afford to reveal his strength just yet.


    Moreover, his current body was too weak to use spiritual concealment techniques.


    He only had access to a low-level presence-hiding technique, which was temporary at best.


    All higher-level concealment arts required at least Marrow Essence Stage cultivation or higher.


    Even in terms of attack and defense techniques, the vast majority of Basilisk''s skills were high-ranked,far beyond what his current body could handle.


    The only truly useful things Yuan inherited from Basilisk''s vast 30,000 years of knowledge were


    The Basic level understanding of alchemy and a high-level mastery of runes and formations.


    Basilisk had been a master schemer, an expert in runic formations, and a specialist in manipulation.


    But unfortunately, most of that knowledge was still out of Yuan''s reach.


    To fully utilize Basilisk''s knowledge, he would at least need to reach the Body Ascension Stage.


    And that¡­


    Would take a very long time.


    With a sigh, Yuan accepted his current limitations.


    For now, all he could do was continue refining his Azure Basilisk Flames¡­ and wait.


    Fortunately, he wouldn''t have to wait much longer.


    The seven days had finally come to an end.


    On the morning of the seventh day, a knock echoed through his room.


    Knock. Knock.


    Then came the cold, familiar voice of Elder Viktor.


    "Come out. The sect has arrived. It''s time to bring you in."


    Yuan slowly opened his eyes.


    The time had finally come.


    Hearing Elder Viktor''s voice, Yuan opened his eyes.


    Silently, he dressed himself, wearing the brown robe the elder had given him long ago. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With calm, measured movements, he opened the door and walked behind the elder, eventually standing next to Emilia, who was already waiting with the old man.


    Yuan appeared visibly nervous, his expression uneasy.


    But the elder barely acknowledged him, instead giving a stern warning:


    "Mind your words and always show respect to the sect."


    With those final instructions, they stepped outside the inn and into the garden.


    The garden was filled with children, at least twenty to thirty in number.


    Most of them were at the Mortal Awakening Stage or the Blood Purification Stage.


    But among them, there was one person who stood out.


    A young man, dressed in a bright green robe decorated with leaf patterns.


    He had blue eyes, blond hair, and a rather average-looking face.


    Yet, his indifferent expression and unshaken posture radiated an undeniable presence.


    He sat on a wooden chair, motionless, eyes closed, as if he were sleeping.


    But even that alone made him stand out.


    This man was not an ordinary disciple.


    He was definitely a Meridian Awakening Stage cultivator.


    And judging by the spiritual essence naturally gathering around him, he was not someone who had just reached this stage.


    His cultivation was stronger than it appeared.


    In the stillness of the garden, they waited.


    One by one, more aspiring disciples arrived, filling the space with quiet tension.


    And then, when the final person joined the group, the young man in green finally stirred.


    With slow, deliberate movements, he opened his eyes.


    His bright blue gaze swept over the crowd, studying each face carefully.


    Then, with a warm, almost playful smile, he finally spoke


    "Greetings, juniors.I am an Inner Disciple of the Howling Wind Branch Sect, and today, I will be your judge.I will determine whether or not you are qualified to join our sect."


    He paused briefly, then continued


    "For all Mortal Awakening juniors,if you are under the age of fifteen, step forward for testing.For those in the Blood Purification Stage,if you are under thirty years old, step forward too,for testing.As for those who exceed these age limits but still wish to join the sect¡­Return in three days."


    With those words spoken, all cultivators who exceeded the age limit quietly left.


    Even the scheming Elder Viktor was among them.


    Now, only Yuan, Emilia, and the remaining Mortal Awakening and Blood Purification Stage cultivators,all within the age requirements,stood before the Meridian Awakening cultivator.


    The blond-haired young man smiled at them.


    "Alright, juniors. Follow me,we will now head to the trial ground."


    With a casual motion, he reached into his sleeve and pulled out a sword.


    Without hesitation, he thrust it into the ground beneath him.


    For a moment, nothing happened.


    Then


    The ground beneath them trembled.


    Cracks slowly spread outward from the point of impact.


    Moments later, the earth crumbled away, revealing a hidden stone staircase leading underground.


    Once the underground staircase was fully exposed, the young man''s smile widened.


    "Alright, juniors,it''s time to descend.The trial awaits below."

 Howling Wind Branch Sect Trial (2)

    The thirty disciples stood inside a massive cave, their gazes shifting around their new environment.


    Behind them, a stone staircase led back up to the surface, marking their only exit.


    The cave itself was surprisingly bright, its ceiling covered in luminous stones that bathed the entire chamber in a soft glow.


    Despite the unusual lighting, the space was otherwise ordinary,a flat floor, no decorations, no obstacles.


    It resembled a training ground rather than a trial site.


    Yuan stood among the other hopeful disciples, quietly observing.


    Everyone waited in silence, anticipation filling the air as they turned to the blond-haired young man who had led them here.


    For a brief moment, the young man''s expression softened, an amused smile appearing on his face.


    Then


    A flicker of nostalgia crossed his features.


    As if he remembered his own trial in this very place.


    After a few seconds of silence, he cleared his throat and addressed them.


    "Ahem. Well, future junior disciples, the first trial is quite simple."


    He gestured around the brightly lit cave, his green eyes glinting with amusement.


    "As you can see, this room is illuminated by glowing stones embedded in the ceiling.These are known as ''Pressuring Will Stones''."


    A pause.


    Then, his tone became serious.


    "The function of these stones is simple,they exert mental pressure on all who stand beneath them.The longer you endure, the better your evaluation.And the better your evaluation the greater your reward from the sect!"


    The young man''s gaze sharpened, sweeping across the gathered disciples with newfound intensity.


    "This is a crucial test.Our branch sect and even more so, our Main Sect places heavy emphasis on mental endurance!"


    His voice echoed through the cave, his words firm and commanding.


    "Even if you come from a noble background.Even if your cultivation surpasses the others,If your will is weak, you will fail.And if you fail, you will not be accepted as a disciple."


    He paused, letting his words settle in.


    Then,his smile returned.


    "So, do your best.Push yourselves.And prove that you have the willpower to walk the path of cultivation!"


    Hearing this serious advice, Yuan quickly grasped why the sect placed such a high value on endurance.


    After all, cultivation itself is the art of enduring time.


    If a cultivator couldn''t dedicate their free moments to cultivation, how could they ever hope to advance to the next stage?


    The Howling Wind Sect clearly didn''t want lazy individuals.


    It sought ambitious disciples,those who constantly strive for more.


    Yet, even with its preference for strong-willed cultivators, the sect wouldn''t blindly reject others. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After all, hidden talents often reveal themselves only through life and death struggles.


    And no sect or clan would willingly discard a hidden gem or a genius with high cultivation potential.


    In the end, manpower was essential for a sect''s growth.


    With this realization in mind, Yuan found the Howling Wind Sect to be¡­ interesting.


    But only that.


    His curiosity did not go beyond mild interest.


    Now that the trial was explained, it would surely begin any moment.


    Without hesitation, Yuan sat cross-legged on the cold stone ground, calmly awaiting the mental pressure to descend.


    Seeing Yuan take a meditative lotus position, Emilia followed his example, closing her eyes and trying to focus on the surrounding spiritual essence.


    But they weren''t the only ones preparing.


    Around them, the other future disciples reacted in various ways:


    Some also sat in a lotus position, focusing their minds.Others stood with arms crossed, their posture rigid, as they waited for the trial to begin.A few even lay flat on the stone ground, staring directly at the Pressuring Will Stones above.Some talked amongst themselves, while others nervously fidgeted.


    However, Yuan paid no attention to the surrounding movements.


    His focus remained solely on the moment the mental pressure would finally descend.


    And then


    It began.


    At first, no one felt anything.


    For the first 30 seconds, there was only silence.


    Then


    At 40 seconds, some disciples shifted uncomfortably, feeling the first hints of pressure.At 50 seconds, a few began to breathe heavier, their focus slipping.By one minute, their bodies felt sluggish, concentration fading under the increasing weight.


    At the one minute mark, many disciples began to falter.


    A handful of Mortal Awakening Stage cultivators collapsed, their bodies refusing to endure the strain any longer.


    By 1 minute and 20 seconds, even more of them gave up, their minds unable to withstand the pressure.By 1 minute and 40 seconds, nearly all Mortal Awakening cultivators had succumbed.At 1 minute and 50 seconds, Emilia finally reached her limit, collapsing with a deep exhale of exhaustion.


    Now, only two Mortal Awakening cultivators remained.


    One of them was Yuan.


    At the 2-minute mark, the first Blood Purification cultivator fell, unable to continue.At 2 minutes and 20 seconds, more Blood Purification cultivators buckled under the relentless pressure.At 2 minutes and 50 seconds, the last remaining Mortal Awakening cultivator, besides Yuan, fell, along with several more Blood Purification disciples.


    Now, only five cultivators remained.


    Four Blood Purification Stage disciples.And Yuan,the last Mortal Awakening Stage cultivator still standing.


    Three minutes.


    That was a long time to endure such mental pressure.


    Even the blond haired Inner Disciple was visibly surprised.


    His green eyes narrowed slightly, his curiosity piqued.


    For him, it was normal for Mortal Awakening cultivators to fall before two minutes.


    Anything above that was already remarkable.


    But three minutes?


    That was true endurance.


    A promising sign.


    The thought formed in the blond haired young man''s mind as he observed Yuan closely.


    "Interesting¡­"


    For Yuan, however


    He felt nothing.


    Not even the slightest hint of pressure.


    It was as if the Pressuring Will Stones weren''t even there.


    But


    If he continued standing too long, it would draw too much attention.


    And if the blond haired young man noticed, he might label Yuan a monster rather than just a talented recruit.


    That wasn''t something Yuan wanted.


    So, he pretended to falter.


    Lowering his breathing, shifting his posture, and deliberately weakening his presence


    Until, finally


    He let himself collapse.


    The blond haired young man sighed softly, nodding at Yuan in satisfaction.


    He seemed pleased with Yuan''s performance, but didn''t linger on him for long, shifting his attention to the remaining Blood Purification cultivators.


    At the 4 minute mark, only two Blood Purification Stage cultivators remained.


    They were already struggling, their bodies trembling under the immense mental pressure.


    At 4 minutes and 20 seconds, both collapsed, unable to endure a second longer.


    And just like that


    The trial ended.


    The blond haired young man gave a satisfied nod, then snapped his fingers.


    Instantly


    The pressure vanished.


    The suffocating weight dispersed completely, allowing everyone to finally breathe freely again.


    With a wide smile, the blond haired young man addressed the group


    "Well done, juniors. Now, let me announce your results."


    He paused for effect, then continued:


    "For the Mortal Awakening Stage juniors.Those who lasted only one minute or less will become unofficial outer disciples of the Howling Wind Branch Sect."


    The moment those words fell, disappointment filled the air.


    Several recruits visibly deflated, a few even breaking down into tears.


    Some pleaded desperately, their voices trembling:


    "Senior, please reconsider!""Give us another chance!"


    But the blond haired young man remained unmoved, simply shaking his head.


    "Juniors who lasted under two minutes will become ordinary outer disciples.And for the two who outperformed all others,those who endured beyond two minutes.You will be granted the status of high outer disciples!"


    Though many disciples were devastated, the young man gave them a reassuring look.


    "You don''t need to worry too much about your current disciple ranking.Your status can change.The stronger your cultivation becomes, the higher you can rise within the sect."


    With a wave of his hand, a stack of books appeared out of thin air, landing gently beside him.


    "Here, read this."


    The disciples hesitated for a moment before each one stepped forward to take a copy.


    Even Yuan picked one up, his eyes falling on the title:


    Howling Wind Sect''s Rules & Introduction


    But before anyone could start reading, the Inner Disciple spoke again


    Forcing their attention back on him.


    The blond-haired Inner Disciple continued his announcement, his voice echoing through the cave chamber


    "Now, for the Blood Purification Stage juniors.Those who endured under three minutes will become outer disciples.Those who endured under four minutes will be granted the status of high outer disciples.And those who lasted beyond four minutes,will become low-rank inner disciples!"


    His words sent a wave of reactions through the group.


    Some disciples nodded in satisfaction, while others visibly clenched their fists, disappointed in their lower rankings.


    But there was no time to dwell on it.


    Because the next trial was about to begin.


    The blond-haired Inner Disciple smiled, his green eyes glinting with amusement.


    "Now that you are all officially disciples,let''s move on to the second trial!"


    A brief pause.


    Then, his smile widened.


    "Unlike the first trial, where you only had to endure mental pressure.This one will test your actual combat strength!"


    The moment those words fell, the atmosphere shifted.


    Tension rose.


    Eyes sharpened.


    The young man chuckled, clearly enjoying the anticipation building among the recruits.


    "The stronger you are, the better for you.After all, you might catch the attention of an elder.Even if you don''t, a high score will still bring satisfying rewards!"


    Then, his tone turned playful.


    "And as for the trial itself?"


    He let the suspense linger for a moment before finally revealing


    "Hehe¡­ A simple tournament!One for the Mortal Awakening juniors¡­And another for the Blood Purification juniors!"


    Hearing about the tournament, Yuan quickly understood the reasoning behind the Howling Wind Sect''s selection process.


    First, they identify those who can endure mental pressure and now, they measure actual combat strength.


    This system separated two types of talents


    Disciples with strong mental endurance, who could withstand hardship and cultivate long-term and Disciples who were naturally talented in battle, even if they lacked endurance.


    Although it was a simple system, it was an effective way to filter recruits.


    After all, a sect wouldn''t want to waste potential warriors just because they lacked endurance,and vice versa.


    However, Yuan also saw a flaw in this method.


    The sect was clearly focused on combat strength and long term cultivation.But they completely overlooked other hidden talents.


    Rune masters,Alchemy geniuses,Formation specialists.


    None of them would be discovered in this selection process.


    But then again


    Every sect had its own priorities.


    And for the Howling Wind Sect


    Their priority was clear.


    Fighting.


    Cultivation.


    And nothing else.


    As Yuan processed all the information given by the blond-haired Inner Disciple, he suddenly felt a gaze on him.


    A sharp, persistent stare,not from an elder, but from another disciple.


    Though it would be normal for an elder to take interest in his unusual mental endurance, Yuan doubted that any elder would stare at him so intensely for just that alone.


    So, he subtly turned his head, scanning the area


    Until his eyes landed on the source.


    It was the other Mortal Awakening Stage cultivator.


    He appeared fourteen or fifteen years old.He wore a bright red robe, its fabric lined with enchantments, likely to regulate heat and cold.His face was undeniably handsome sharp features, piercing red eyes, and dark brown hair so deep it almost looked black.


    Even though his robe was plain in design, it was clearly made from fine materials, maybe a wealthy or noble background?


    However


    Yuan had no idea who he was.


    For a brief moment, he considered the possibilities.


    Had he offended this boy in some way?


    Then, it clicked.


    Yuan had taken the first place spot from him during the mental endurance trial.


    Was it jealousy?


    Maybe.


    But Yuan wasn''t interested.


    His gaze lingered on the boy for a mere second before losing interest entirely.


    Seeing this, the red robed boy''s expression darkened.


    He clicked his tongue in annoyance, clearly irritated that Yuan had dismissed him so easily.


    Then, with a sharp huff, he turned his eyes away.


    Meanwhile, Emilia had a completely different reaction.


    She was beaming with admiration as she looked at Yuan.


    A high outer disciple!


    Unlike Yuan, she actually understood what that meant.


    Higher privileges,More resources,Better training.


    And most importantly


    Yuan was her servant.


    Which meant


    All his benefits¡­ were hers as well, right?


    A smirk crept onto her lips as she chuckled softly, already imagining the advantages she would gain once they officially joined the sect.


    Yuan glanced at Emilia, noticing her soft chuckle.


    Then


    He simply ignored her.


    Her amusement didn''t concern him.


    Instead, he shifted his attention back to the blond-haired Inner Disciple, who still stood silently, eyes closed.


    The blond haired Senior took a step forward, his sharp green eyes scanning the gathered junior disciples.


    With a confident smile, he spoke:


    "Juniors, I gave you all ten minutes to rest.I hope you used them well and have regained your strength!"


    His voice echoed across the training ground, carrying a mix of authority and amusement.


    Then, his smile widened slightly.


    "Now,let us begin the Mortal Awakening Juniors'' Tournament!"


    A short pause followed.


    Then, his eyes narrowed slightly as he called out the first match


    "The first to step forward Junior Alex and Junior Daoist Pressuring Books.Please step forward!"


    His tone was firm, yet expectant, signaling the official start of the tournament.


    The crowd of disciples stirred slightly, anticipation rising.


    The first battle was about to begin.

 Howling Wind Branch Sect Trial (3)

    The moment his name was called, Alex stepped forward.


    His red robe swayed slightly as he moved, his crimson eyes gleaming with confidence.


    There was no hesitation in his steps, only the steady, arrogant stride of someone who believed the outcome of this match had already been decided.


    Across from him, the second name was called.


    A boy in a plain gray robe slowly walked forward, his posture stiff, his expression tense.


    His name was "Daoist Pressuring Books."


    Unlike Alex, there was no arrogance in his steps.


    Only nervousness.


    His fingers twitched at his sides, his breathing uneven, his entire being screaming uncertainty.


    The blond haired judge observed them with mild amusement.


    Then, he gave the signal.


    "Alex Icen, Daoist Pressuring Books,you may begin."


    At those words, both boys took their stances.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk as he stared at his opponent, eyes filled with condescension.


    Then, he spoke, his voice dripping with mockery.


    "Just give up.Why even try?Look at you. So weak-willed, so uncertain."


    He tilted his head slightly, red eyes flashing with disdain.


    "Have you even reached the peak of the Mortal Awakening Stage?"


    His words hit like a hammer.


    Daoist Pressuring Books flinched.


    His mind wavered.


    Doubt crept in.


    Should I just surrender?


    I already secured a place as an unofficial outer disciple¡­


    Isn''t that enough?


    As hesitation gripped him, Alex moved.


    With explosive speed, he lunged.


    His fist, aimed directly at Daoist Pressuring Books'' face, cut through the air with force.


    A split second before impact, Daoist Pressuring Books snapped out of his thoughts.


    His body reacted instinctively, taking a hurried step back.


    But it wasn''t enough.


    Alex had anticipated it.


    A wide, predatory grin stretched across his face.


    "Too slow."


    He didn''t stop.


    Didn''t pause.


    Didn''t hesitate.


    With one powerful step forward, he closed the gap again.


    His red eyes locked onto his opponent.


    Then


    He struck.


    His fist connected with Daoist Pressuring Books'' face.


    A sharp impact.


    A muffled gasp.


    A body crashing to the ground.


    Dust scattered.


    Daoist Pressuring Books groaned in pain, his vision spinning.


    But Alex wasn''t finished.


    He crouched down, gripping his opponent''s throat with an iron grip.


    Then, with a cold, emotionless gaze, he whispered two final words.


    "I win."


    With that said, the blond haired judge clapped his hands together, his usual amused smile returning.


    "Congratulations, Alex , on securing the first victory in today''s tournament!"


    His voice echoed through the training grounds, but then, his smile dimmed slightly.


    "However, please remember,this is merely a test of strength and skill, not a battle to the death. Next time, try to show a bit more restraint."


    It was a light warning, nothing more.


    Alex merely scoffed, rolling his shoulders as he turned away from the judge. Without acknowledging the words, he walked back toward the other disciples, his crimson robe swaying behind him.


    Meanwhile, Daoist Pressuring Books gasped for air, coughing as he rubbed his sore neck. His breath came out in ragged gasps, his body trembling from both pain and humiliation.


    The moment his coughing fit subsided, he staggered to his feet, wobbling slightly before retreating to join the other disciples.


    A heavy silence followed.


    Then


    "Hah¡­ What a pathetic fight."


    A disciple in the crowd sneered, his voice laced with disdain.


    "He lost before he even threw a single punch."


    Another scoffed, crossing his arms.


    "Why even cultivate with that kind of attitude? He should just live as a mortal instead."


    "Boring." A third disciple shook his head. "Not even worth watching. He didn''t even TRY."


    The disappointment was palpable.


    All around, the expressions of the disciples showed the same thing,contempt, disinterest, and even irritation at the wasted match.


    Yuan, who had silently observed the fight, was equally unimpressed.


    A single glance at Daoist Pressuring Books told him everything,this boy had never fought for survival.


    Weak willed. Easily intimidated. No sense of battle instinct.


    He lost before the fight had even begun.


    A sigh rippled through the crowd.


    The blond haired judge, who had watched the match with mild disappointment, shook his head and let out a soft sigh of his own.


    Then, he clapped his hands again, his voice ringing out with renewed energy. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now then, let''s move on!"


    His sharp green eyes swept over the remaining disciples before he called out the next match.


    "Junior Scholar Felix and Junior Lucy of Sword''s Tiger Forest! Please step forward!"


    The crowd stirred again, anticipation rising.


    They hoped this time


    The fight would actually be worth watching.


    The first to step forward was a girl.


    She had striking orange hair, matching orange eyes, an oval-shaped face, and a slim, petite frame. Draped in an orange robe adorned with delicate yellow lines, she carried herself with elegance, her every step measured and graceful as she approached the blond-haired judge.


    Then, another figure stepped forward.


    A boy, taller than the girl, with brown hair and deep brown eyes. His features were above average¡ªhandsome in a scholarly way. He wore a pristine white robe, the kind often associated with intellectuals, and bore a confident smile that radiated assurance.


    Both of them came to a stop before the blond-haired judge, nodding in respectful acknowledgment. Their gazes met, and without hesitation, they exchanged a formal salute¡ªa display of discipline rarely seen in first-round matches.


    The blond-haired judge chuckled at their politeness but chose not to comment on it.


    After a brief pause, his lips curled into a bright smile. "Alright, the fight can begi¡ª"


    Before he could finish his sentence, the brown-haired boy, Scholar Felix, suddenly spoke up.


    "Excuse me, Senior," Felix said, his tone polite but firm. "May I ask a question?"


    The blond haired judge raised a brow, slightly puzzled, but nodded. "Go ahead. Is something unclear?"


    Felix''s smile widened. "I would like to request permission to use weapons, as I am a trained swordsman."


    A trained swordsman?


    A murmur spread through the crowd. The other disciples, who had assumed this would be a barehanded match, exchanged uncertain glances.


    The blond haired judge blinked at Felix for a moment before coughing lightly, his expression turning slightly awkward. "Ah, yes¡­ Of course. Everyone is allowed to fight in whatever style they prefer. I have a selection of wooden swords, spears, axes, and other practice weapons available."


    The air turned momentarily stiff.


    Up until now, everyone had assumed that these duels would be fought without weapons. For the judge to casually mention that weapons were allowed¡­ It was almost embarrassing that no one had thought to ask before.


    Unlike the stunned disciples around him, Felix''s excitement only grew. His brown eyes lit up as he spoke, "Then, Senior, may I have a longsword?"


    The blond haired judge wordlessly tossed him a wooden longsword. Felix caught it in one smooth motion, gripping it with practiced ease.


    Then, the judge turned to Lucy, the orange-haired girl, and asked, "Do you want a weapon as well?"


    Lucy, who had remained silent up until now, simply nodded. Without hesitation, she pointed at the same type of sword Felix had chosen.


    Seeing this, the blond haired judge tossed her a wooden longsword as well. She caught it, adjusting her grip with precision.


    A satisfied nod from the judge.


    "Alright," he announced, his voice carrying across the arena.


    "The fight can now¡­ begin!"


    The moment the blond haired judge gave the signal


    Lucy lunged.


    She wasted no time, her body shooting forward like a wild beast let loose. With both hands gripping her wooden sword, she swung down with sheer force, a blow that could easily shatter bones if it were a real blade.


    Felix, however, did not panic.


    Instead of blocking head on, he took a single, calculated step back.


    Wham!


    Lucy''s sword struck the ground, sending a sharp crack through the cave as stone dust scattered. She had put too much force into her swing.


    A mistake.


    Felix saw the opening and immediately countered.


    His wooden sword flashed forward in a swift, precise thrust,aimed directly at Lucy''s exposed ribs.


    Lucy''s eyes widened. At the last second, she twisted her body, barely dodging the attack. But Felix was not done.


    His movements flowed like water. With a simple twist of his wrist, he redirected his sword mid-strike and swung diagonally toward her shoulder.


    Lucy gritted her teeth and raised her sword to block


    Clack!


    Wood met wood, but the impact sent a jolt through her arms. She staggered back, her grip nearly loosening.


    Felix pressed forward.


    A horizontal slash. A quick thrust. A feint to the left before smoothly shifting to the right


    His swordplay was elegant and controlled. Every movement deliberate, every strike precise.


    Lucy, on the other hand, relied purely on brute strength. She swung wildly, using her sheer power to match Felix''s speed. But she lacked technique. Her swings were wide, her footwork unstable.


    Felix sidestepped another reckless slash, his expression calm.


    Lucy growled in frustration and swung again,this time, an overhead strike with everything she had.


    Felix''s eyes narrowed.


    He didn''t retreat.


    Instead, he stepped in.


    Lucy''s sword came crashing down


    And Felix deflected it with a smooth upward parry, redirecting her force to the side.


    Lucy stumbled forward, off balance.


    Felix acted instantly.


    His sword swept toward her exposed side,fast and clean.


    Thwack!


    The wooden blade struck Lucy''s ribs.


    A clean, decisive hit.


    Lucy gasped, her body tensing from the sharp pain. She tried to swing again


    But Felix had already moved behind her, his sword lightly pressing against the back of her neck.


    The fight was over.


    A moment of silence.


    Then, the blond haired judge clapped his hands.


    "Winner,Junior Scholar Felix!"


    Felix lowered his sword, stepping back with a respectful nod. Despite his victory, his breathing remained steady, as if the fight had been nothing more than a simple sparring match.


    Lucy, panting heavily, clenched her fists in frustration. She turned to Felix, her orange eyes burning with something fierce


    But then, she exhaled and forced herself to nod.


    "You''re strong" she admitted, though the bitterness in her voice was clear.


    Felix gave her a polite smile. "You are too. But your movements are too open. If you refine your technique, you''ll be much harder to beat."


    Lucy scoffed, crossing her arms. "Tch. Technique, huh?"


    The blond haired judge chuckled at their exchange before stepping forward. "Good match. Though, Lucy,brute strength alone won''t always carry you through battles. Consider his advice."


    Lucy didn''t reply, only looking away with a frown.


    Felix simply adjusted his grip on his wooden sword before turning back to the watching his fellow disciples. and just smiled lightly.


    He had proven his strength.


    the now truly began tournament.


    That thought came to the minds of all the disciples as they watched the fight between Felix and Lucy.


    Although Lucy lacked proper technique, she was far from weak. Had she faced an opponent who didn''t emphasize smooth and clean swordsmanship, she might have won. But luck was not on her side,she had the misfortune of encountering Scholar Felix.


    With that match concluded, the tournament continued.


    One disciple after another stepped forward to fight.


    Four battles passed, yet Yuan had not been called.


    Then, for the fifth match, a familiar name echoed through the cave.


    "Junior Emilia!"


    At that moment, Emilia, who had been smiling and cheering for various fights, suddenly perked up. She had been having the time of her life, enjoying the battles and even making a few connections with other disciples.


    Hearing her name, she blinked in mild surprise. "Huh? Already?" she muttered before grinning.


    With a confident stride, she walked toward the blond haired judge.


    Her opponent soon stepped forward as well.


    A young girl, seemingly around Emilia''s age, with black hair and black eyes. She wore a purple robe adorned with yellow patterns. Her presence wasn''t particularly imposing,just another competitor among the many.


    Her name was Amalia.


    Now standing face to face, the two girls exchanged glances before turning to the judge.


    "I would like a rapier," Emilia requested, her voice brimming with excitement.


    "A long spear," Amalia added calmly.


    The blond haired judge simply smiled, retrieving their requested weapons before tossing them forward.


    Both girls caught their weapons with ease, their grips tightening as anticipation filled the air.


    The judge''s smile widened.


    "Very well,let the fight begin!"


    With that declaration, both combatants took their stances, waiting for the first opening.


    --------------------


    AN:


    Hey, LazyRedMoon here.


    A reader recently commented "that the cultivation world is cruel, which is common knowledge, and that the way you wrote it made it seem forced,causing no one to sympathize with the MC, making it feel like dumb plot force."


    So, I want to clarify things a bit more because it seems I didn''t write it properly.


    This refers to the part where Yuan was betrayed by Old Man Viktor. What I wanted to convey with this act of betrayal was to confirm that Basilisk''s memories are real,that the world truly is full of betrayal and schemes.


    To better explain how Yuan sees the world, imagine this


    You read a book with thousands of chapters filled with death, deception, and schemes. But your own life has always been peaceful, without conflict. Then, one day, you leave your peaceful life and step outside,only to realize that the book you read might actually be how the real world works.


    Would you believe it immediately?


    Probably not.


    You''d think, "Maybe the book was exaggerated, or maybe the content wasn''t true at all." After all, if a novel stated, "The moment you step outside, someone will manipulate and kill you," would you believe it? No, right? You''d dismiss it as nonsense.


    This is exactly the situation Yuan was in.


    He only had memories,memories so vast that no book could contain them. But without real life experiences to verify them, he couldn''t be sure whether to trust them or not. So, he was cautious, always on guard, yet still unsure.


    Then, Viktor''s betrayal happened.


    At that moment, Yuan realized that the world truly is like the thick book he had "read." It was no longer just memories,it was reality.


    That''s the realization I wanted to bring across with this betrayal.


    Maybe I didn''t execute it well, or maybe my writing still needs improvement, as I have limited experience as a writer. But I''m doing my best to express the story I have in my mind.


    I''ll work harder to make things clearer in the Volume and improve my writing.


    Even though my writing might not be perfect right now, the things I have planned for this volume are big, and I hope I can bring them to life with the right words.


    Thanks for reading!

 Howling Wind Branch Sect Trial (5)

    The moment the blond haired judge declared the match to begin, Yuan slowly lifted his sword, his stance awkward, his grip uneven. It was as if he was holding a sword for the first time, unsure of its weight and balance. He took a step forward, almost tripping, his foot placement unstable. The disciples watching raised their brows in confusion.


    Wasn''t this the same Yuan who had endured three minutes under the Pressuring Will Stones?


    Daoist Water Lake, standing firm with his long spear blade, did not attack immediately. His expression remained calm, his grip steady. He was a patient fighter, one who only struck when an opening presented itself. And right now, Yuan was full of openings.


    Yet, he didn''t attack.


    Instead, he observed, his mind analyzing Yuan''s movements. A fool? No. His instincts told him that something was off. But instincts alone would not secure victory, so he waited.


    Yuan, on the other hand, was internally smirking.


    Perfect, he isn''t attacking immediately. He thinks he has the time to observe. I''ll let him believe that.


    He raised his sword in an amateurish stance, his Sword shaking slightly. His feet shuffled awkwardly, and then, without warning, he lunged forward.


    A direct charge.


    Daoist Water Lake''s eyes sharpened. So reckless. A straightforward attack with no feint? He must be desperate to close the distance.


    With a simple step to the side, he avoided Yuan''s advance and swung the shaft of his spear towards Yuan''s back. A clean strike


    But it missed.


    Somehow, at the last possible moment, Yuan stumbled forward, barely avoiding the attack, his sword wildly swinging back as if he had lost control of it.


    CLANG!


    The blade of Yuan''s sword clashed against Daoist Water Lake''s spear, but it wasn''t an intentional block. It was pure coincidence,or at least, that''s what it seemed like.


    The audience murmured among themselves.


    "What was that?"


    "Did he just get lucky?"


    "He can barely hold his sword properly¡­ how is he still standing?"


    Daoist Water Lake narrowed his eyes. No, this is too convenient. Could it be¡­?


    But before he could complete the thought, Yuan had already recovered, stumbling back to create distance. His breathing was uneven, his expression showing slight panic.


    That should confirm it for him. He thinks I barely dodged.


    Daoist Water Lake exhaled through his nose. Fine. If his opponent was going to be this sloppy, then he would end this quickly.


    He stepped forward, taking the offensive for the first time.


    His spear lashed out like a striking serpent, sharp and precise, aiming for Yuan''s shoulder. A clean hit would disable Yuan''s arm and end the fight instantly.


    Yuan''s eyes widened. He panicked. He lifted his sword clumsily, his footing completely off.


    Just barely dodge. Make him believe it''s luck.


    The spear passed mere inches away from his skin as he twisted at the last possible moment, staggering back as if he had barely avoided death. His breathing was erratic, his grip on the sword unsteady.


    Daoist Water Lake frowned. His patience was starting to wear thin.


    This was ridiculous.


    Why did it feel like every attack just barely missed?


    No. He was overthinking it. The opponent before him was clearly an amateur. He just needed to stop hesitating.


    His grip on the spear tightened. Enough of this. He would end it now.


    He lunged forward, launching a series of rapid thrusts.


    One. Two. Three. Four. Each strike was swift, calculated, designed to overwhelm.


    Yuan stumbled left. Stumbled right. His foot caught on a small crack in the stone, and he fell backward, his sword swinging out wildly


    CLANG!


    It blocked the spear.


    Daoist Water Lake''s frustration flared.


    That was¡­ luck again?! No. This isn''t luck anymore. This


    But he couldn''t stop. He was already moving forward, his spear swinging downward.


    Yuan twisted his body, his sword tilting just slightly to the right


    SHING!


    Daoist Water Lake''s spear missed once more, passing harmlessly by Yuan''s side as he fell to the ground with a thud.


    Silence filled the training ground.


    The disciples watching didn''t know whether to laugh or be amazed. This was the sloppiest fight they had ever seen, yet Yuan had yet to be hit even once.


    "Is¡­ is Daoist Water Lake really struggling against him?"


    "This can''t be real."


    "He just dodged¡­ by falling?"


    Daoist Water Lake, now visibly irritated, gritted his teeth. He was done playing around. He had been treating this fight too carefully, overthinking everything. His opponent was weak. Clumsy. Untrained.


    He tightened his grip and raised his spear for the final blow. No more hesitation. No more patience.


    Attack without mercy.


    Yuan, still on the ground, looked up, his eyes widening in panic as the spear descended.


    And that''s checkmate.


    With a sudden burst of movement, he pushed himself up, twisting his body in an awkward motion, his sword swinging blindly as he tried to regain balance


    The tip of his sword collided directly with Daoist Water Lake''s shoulder.


    THWACK!


    A solid hit.


    Daoist Water Lake''s spear stopped mid-motion. His expression blanked as his body registered the impact. His grip loosened, his balance lost.


    And then, slowly, he staggered backward.


    He fell.


    Silence.


    The match was over.


    Yuan stared at his opponent on the ground, his eyes wide, his breathing heavy, as if he couldn''t believe he had won.


    The disciples erupted into chaos.


    "What just happened?"


    "Did he just win by accident?"


    "No way! That was pure luck!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The blond haired judge, who had been watching the entire time with a bemused expression, simply chuckled.


    "Well, that was certainly¡­ interesting." He then raised his hand and declared, "Winner Junior Yuan!"


    Daoist Water Lake, still in shock, sat up, staring at Yuan in disbelief. He clenched his fist, shaking his head. "How¡­?"


    Yuan, still catching his breath, looked at his opponent for a moment. Then, ever so subtly, a small smirk formed on his lips.


    You never had a chance. From the very start, everything was in my hands.


    He took a deep breath, regaining his composure, and then walked back to the other disciples, his clumsy act still perfectly maintained.


    As if he truly had no idea how he had won.


    And so, after Yuan''s fight against Daoist Water Lake, the other matches continued to unfold, leading to the final battle of the first round of the tournament.


    The blond haired judge stepped forward, his usual smile still present, as he raised his voice for the last announcement.


    "The final match of the first round,Junior Savage and Junior Krieger! Please step forward!"


    Two figures stepped forward upon hearing their names, both exuding an overwhelming presence that made the other disciples instinctively take a step back.


    The first was Savage, a tall and broad shouldered youth with wild black hair that reached his shoulders, his dark eyes filled with raw aggression. His features were rough, almost barbaric, with a permanent smirk that screamed arrogance. His robe, unlike the refined ones worn by many disciples, was a deep navy blue, lined with golden embroidery,a clear mark of nobility. Yet, the way he carried himself was anything but refined. He stood like a beast, his arms crossed, looking at his opponent with an amused grin.


    The second was Krieger, a sharp contrast to Savage. He was of average height, with short blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and a chiseled jawline. His posture was upright and composed, the air around him exuding dignity and discipline. Unlike Savage''s wild appearance, Krieger''s white and silver robe was pristine, carrying the insignia of the Royal Knight Order embroidered on the chest. Every movement he made was refined, his presence commanding the respect of those who recognized his title.


    As both of them stepped forward, whispers broke out among the gathered disciples.


    "That''s Duke Blue''s youngest son! I heard he shattered a fully armored knight''s shield with a single punch!"


    "And the other one, Krieger¡­ isn''t he the prodigy knight? The one who saved Princess Selene from an assassination attempt?"


    "This fight is going to be insane. They say Savage fights like a wild beast, while Krieger is an embodiment of the knightly code!"


    The excitement in the air was palpable as the two warriors stood before the blond-haired judge, their gazes locked. The judge, still wearing his usual amused smile, turned to Savage first.


    "What weapon would you like?"


    Savage grinned widely, showing sharp, wolf-like teeth, and cracked his knuckles. "Give me the biggest one ya got, Senior!"


    The judge blinked in mild surprise before chuckling. "Biggest one, huh? Alright then, let''s see if you can even lift this."


    With a casual wave of his hand, he pulled out a massive three-meter-long sword, its blade thick and heavy, resembling a cleaver more than a proper sword. It crashed onto the ground with a heavy THUD, causing dust to rise.


    Savage''s grin widened as he stepped forward, grabbed the hilt, and with an effortless swing, lifted it onto his shoulder. The crowd gasped at his raw strength.


    "Now that''s what I''m talkin'' about!" He laughed, swinging the colossal blade through the air. "This is a real weapon!"


    The judge then turned to Krieger, who barely even reacted to Savage''s antics.


    "And you?"


    Krieger remained calm, his tone polite yet unwavering. "A sword. A normal one."


    The judge simply nodded, tossing a refined long sword to Krieger, who caught it with ease. Unlike Savage, who swung his weapon recklessly, Krieger inspected his blade carefully before assuming a perfect knightly stance.


    With both fighters armed, the judge raised his hand.


    "Alright, begin!"


    Savage wasted no time.


    With a wild roar, he charged forward, swinging his massive sword in a wide arc, the sheer force creating a gust of wind.


    With a wild roar, he charged forward, swinging his massive sword in a wide arc, the sheer force creating a gust of wind.


    Krieger narrowed his eyes, stepping back just in time to avoid the devastating blow. A single hit from that sword would shatter his ribs.


    Savage laughed, his movements erratic and unpredictable. "What''s the matter, Knight Boy? Scared of a lil'' brute force?"


    Krieger didn''t reply. Instead, he countered, dashing forward with precise footwork, slashing at Savage''s exposed side.


    But Savage''s instincts were sharp.


    Rather than blocking properly, he used his raw strength, lifting his giant sword with one arm and bashing it against Krieger''s attack, sending sparks flying.


    Krieger frowned at the unorthodox defense. "Reckless fool. You wield your weapon like a club."


    Savage grinned. "And yet, you''re struggling to land a hit on me!"


    Their battle continued, a stark contrast of styles.


    Savage fought like a raging storm, swinging his massive blade in unpredictable patterns, his overwhelming power making it hard for Krieger to close in.


    Krieger, however, fought with discipline and precision, dodging and parrying, looking for an opening in Savage''s relentless assault.


    The problem was,there were no openings.


    Savage''s attacks were so wild and forceful that it was impossible to predict when or where the next strike would come.


    "Tch¡­" Krieger clicked his tongue in irritation. "Mindless brute."


    "Knightly idiot," Savage spat back.


    The crowd watched in awe.


    One disciple whispered, "Savage is a monster. He fights like a beast, but somehow, it''s working!"


    Another added, "Yeah, but Krieger''s footwork is perfect. If he can just keep dodging, he''ll wear Savage down!"


    The problem was¡­ Savage wasn''t slowing down.


    And Krieger was running out of time.


    "Damn it¡­" Krieger muttered. His breathing grew heavier. He was faster, but he wasn''t stronger.


    Savage grinned, noticing the exhaustion in Krieger''s movements.


    "What''s wrong, Knight Boy? Getting tired?"


    Krieger scowled but refused to answer. He needed a strategy,fast.


    Then, in a moment of desperation, something awakened within him.


    His grip on the sword tightened. His breathing steadied.


    And then


    A white glow enveloped his sword.


    The moment it appeared, the entire crowd fell silent.


    Even the blond haired judge''s eyes widened slightly.


    And Yuan, who had been watching silently, finally reacted, his expression shifting from indifference to pure shock.


    "Impossible," Yuan muttered under his breath. "A mortal awakening stage cultivator¡­ has unlocked sword aura?"


    Savage, however, wasn''t fazed.


    "Ooooh? So you got some fancy glow now, huh?" He grinned. "So what? You still ain''t strong enough to beat me!"


    Krieger exhaled slowly, raising his sword. "You have no idea what you''re up against."


    And then,he moved.


    Faster than before.


    Much faster.


    With a single flash of white, Krieger dashed forward, his sword aura cutting through the air like lightning.


    Savage instinctively tried to block with his giant sword.


    Too slow.


    Krieger''s sword met Savage''s chestplate.


    And in an instant,Savage was sent flying.


    The massive warrior crashed into the ground, his giant sword falling beside him with a deafening THUD.


    Silence.


    Then, the judge smiled.


    "Winner Junior Krieger."


    For a moment, no one moved.


    The disciples erupted in whispers.


    "What is that light?Have you ever heard of this?"


    "No,I have never seen anything like that"


    Meanwhile, Yuan simply narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.


    Heaven defying talent indeed¡­ this one is dangerous.


    Krieger lowered his sword, his aura fading. He turned to Savage, who sat up, rubbing his chest.


    The brute grinned. "Tch¡­ you got me, Knight Boy. But next time, I''ll crush you."


    Krieger didn''t answer. Instead, he simply nodded.


    As the match ended, one thought remained in everyone''s mind.


    A monster had been born in the Howling Wind Sect.

 Howling Wind Branch Sect Trial (6)

    After the fight settled, the blond haired judge gave everyone half an hour to rest, allowing the disciples to socialize and discuss the matches.


    They spoke about the intense battle between Savage and Krieger, the hard fought draw between Emilia and Amalia, Alex''s ruthlessness, and many other fights,even how Daoist Water Lake lost to Yuan.


    However, not everyone participated in the cheerful discussions. Alex and his opponent remained silent, one out of shame, the other too indifferent to care. Meanwhile, Emilia and Amalia spoke as if they had been friends for years, their previous battle forging an unexpected bond.


    Since their match had ended in a draw, the blond haired judge had declared both of them eliminated, leaving only nine disciples from the original twenty.


    But as the rest period came to an end


    BANG!


    A loud clap echoed across the cave, instantly grabbing everyone''s attention.


    "Attention, please! Juniors, the tournament will now resume!"


    The blond haired judge smiled with his usual easygoing expression.


    A few disciples winced, nearly deafened by the thunderous clapping, but the judge paid them no mind and continued speaking.


    "Since we have nine juniors left, and one match resulted in a draw, one disciple will automatically advance to the next round without having to fight in this round!"


    At this announcement, several disciples who knew they stood little chance of winning perked up in excitement.


    They prayed silently, hoping that luck would favor them,because if they could skip this round, they would automatically reach the next round. And once there, they could simply forfeit and still walk away with an impressive tournament score.


    A rare chance. A golden opportunity.


    But alas


    The heavens clearly did not favor them.


    "The one who will advance without fighting in the second round is,Krieger!"


    "Congratulations, Junior, on your free win!"


    The moment Krieger''s name was called, some disciples clenched their fists in frustration. Others scowled in jealousy, sending him ugly glares.


    But Krieger, ever the noble knight, simply bowed gracefully and thanked the judge for the opportunity.


    The blond haired judge nodded approvingly at Krieger''s calm demeanor before moving on.


    "Now, for the first fight of the second round Junior Zi Mo and Junior Li Chun!"


    At the mention of their names, the two disciples stepped forward, facing each other.


    And so


    The crowd waited with curiosity.


    Would this fight prove to be a real battle?


    Or another disappointment?


    The answer became clear the moment they clashed.


    Because this


    Wasn''t a fight at all.


    As soon as their names were called, Zi Mo and Li Chun stepped forward, standing opposite each other in the middle of the stone training ground.


    Zi Mo''s dark blue robe swayed slightly as he took his stance, gripping his sword firmly. His black hair was tied back, revealing sharp yet focused features. Though not a top-tier genius, his ability to blend feints, swordplay, and kicks made him a competent fighter.


    Li Chun, on the other hand, wore a violet robe embroidered with flower patterns. Her bright green eyes were calm, her stance relaxed but firm, exuding confidence.


    Despite being one of Emilia''s new friends, many disciples knew little about her strength. In her previous match, her victory had been due to luck rather than skill, so no one expected much from her.


    The blond haired judge raised his hand and smiled.


    "Begin!"


    The moment the words fell


    Zi Mo moved first.


    His feet slid across the stone ground with practiced ease, and in the blink of an eye, he closed the distance, slashing diagonally at Li Chun''s shoulder.


    Fast.


    But not fast enough.


    Li Chun tilted her head slightly, allowing the sword to pass mere inches away before stepping back effortlessly.


    Zi Mo, however, was already expecting this.


    The moment his first attack missed, he adjusted his stance and swiftly executed a horizontal feint, pulling back his sword at the last moment before spinning into a low sweeping kick aimed directly at her legs.


    A fake out into a real attack.


    Yet


    Li Chun''s body barely moved, her gaze focused, her breath steady.


    She lifted her foot at the exact moment his leg swept past, avoiding the kick with graceful precision.


    Zi Mo frowned.


    She dodged¡­ again?


    He didn''t hesitate.


    Pushing off the ground, he lunged forward and unleashed a quick series of sword thrusts, aiming at her chest, stomach, and shoulder, testing her reaction speed.


    But every single one of them missed.


    Li Chun''s movements were fluid and controlled, her footwork light and effortless, as if she weren''t even trying.


    At first, the watching disciples were impressed by Zi Mo''s techniques,his footwork was sharp, his feints were clever, and his kicks were unpredictable.


    But soon, they began to notice something strange.


    Li Chun wasn''t attacking.


    She was only dodging.


    And she wasn''t even struggling.


    It was like she was playing with him.


    A flicker of amusement appeared in her green eyes as she finally spoke, her voice light but clear.


    "You''re fast," she said, dodging yet another attack with a subtle step to the side.


    Zi Mo gritted his teeth, feeling his frustration grow.


    Why can''t I hit her?!


    He clenched his sword tighter and launched another attack


    This time with more speed, more strength, more unpredictability.


    A diagonal slash,she stepped back.


    A sudden reverse thrust,she tilted her body.


    A spinning kick,she ducked.


    No matter what he tried,it was useless.


    Because Li Chun wasn''t fighting him.


    She was studying him.


    Every dodge, every step, every slight movement


    She was analyzing his patterns, his habits, his instincts.


    And then


    After only a few exchanges


    Her gaze sharpened.


    A second later


    She moved.


    Faster than before.


    And this time


    She didn''t dodge.


    She attacked.


    Zi Mo barely saw her step forward, her rapier flickering in the dim light as she suddenly thrust toward his exposed side.


    His instincts screamed at him to block, but his reaction was a fraction of a second too late.


    CRACK!


    The wooden blade of her spear slammed into his ribs,not enough to break anything, but enough to send a sharp jolt of pain through his body.


    Zi Mo stumbled.


    But before he could recover


    THWACK!


    A second strike landed cleanly on his wrist, nearly making him drop his sword.


    And then


    A third hit,a clean stab to his chest,forcing him to stagger back several steps, his balance completely broken.


    Gasps filled the cave as the watching disciples finally realized what was happening.


    Li Chun had been waiting the entire time.


    She had only observed and analyzed,until she found an opening.


    And once she did


    She struck like lightning. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zi Mo was reeling now, his breathing heavy, his footing unsteady.


    But Li Chun?


    She hadn''t even broken a sweat.


    She lowered her rapier slightly, looking at him with a neutral expression.


    "You''re not bad," she admitted, tilting her head. "But you should stop relying on feints so much."


    Zi Mo clenched his jaw.


    She saw through me completely¡­


    Before he could regain his posture, Li Chun moved again.


    One step.


    Two steps.


    A precise, effortless strike aimed directly at his dominant hand.


    And with that


    Zi Mo''s sword flew from his grip, clattering onto the stone ground.


    Silence filled the cave.


    Zi Mo froze, his defeat undeniable.


    Li Chun took a step back and lowered her weapon.


    "I win" she said simply.


    The blond haired judge let out a chuckle.


    "Winner,Junior Li Chun!"


    The moment her victory was announced, murmurs erupted among the disciples.


    "That was too fast!"


    "Zi Mo couldn''t do anything¡­ Did she read his every move?"


    "She barely attacked until the end¡­"


    Meanwhile, Zi Mo sighed, rubbing his sore wrist before bending down to pick up his sword.


    He wasn''t angry.


    He was humbled.


    Turning to Li Chun, he bowed slightly.


    "¡­I lost."


    Li Chun simply smiled and nodded.


    "Maybe next time, you''ll try something other than feints."


    Hearing this, Zi Mo let out a tired chuckle.


    "Maybe."


    As he walked away, Li Chun turned her gaze toward the other disciples, her expression calm but unshaken.


    She hadn''t been here to prove herself.


    She was simply too strong for this fight.


    standing among the remaining disciples, Yuan observed the fight with an indifferent gaze, his posture relaxed, yet his mind fully engaged.


    From the very first exchange, he could tell


    Zi Mo had already lost.


    It wasn''t because he lacked talent.Nor was it because his attacks were slow.


    It was because of Li Chun.


    She wasn''t fighting like the others.


    She was observing.


    Analyzing.


    Waiting.


    Yuan''s lips curled slightly in amusement.


    Interesting.


    Unlike the reckless and impatient fights he had seen before, this one carried a level of intelligence that was rare among low level cultivators.


    It was subtle.It was methodical.It was efficient.


    But the problem wasn''t Li Chun.


    The real problem was Zi Mo.


    His swordplay was decent.His feints were clean.His footwork wasn''t bad.


    But there was one fatal flaw


    He''s predictable.


    Every move he made followed a pattern.Every feint had an intention that was easy to read.Every strike was a textbook execution,and that was the issue.


    He fought like someone who had never faced a real opponent before.


    He had trained in techniques but had no true instincts.


    Techniques without adaptability are nothing more than a dance.


    Yuan sighed slightly, already knowing how this would end.


    And, just as expected


    Li Chun found her opening.


    She read him like a book, dodged everything with ease, and when the time was right,she struck only once.


    And it was over.


    Zi Mo never stood a chance.


    As the blond haired judge declared Li Chun as the winner, Yuan closed his eyes, his mind shifting through what he had just witnessed.


    ''She has control. Patience. A sharp mind.''


    But she was still too soft.


    Her strikes were precise, but not lethal.Her analysis was sharp, but not ruthless.


    She dominated Zi Mo, yet never once went for the kill.


    Yuan leaned back, exhaling lightly.


    A good fight.A good spar between children.


    Still, he found himself mildly entertained.


    Li Chun had potential.


    But whether she would survive long enough to refine it


    That was an entirely different matter.


    And so, another fight ended.


    Although the result was a bit unexpected, the disciples quickly moved on, their cheers filling the training grounds as the tournament continued.


    One fight after another.


    Alex faced a stronger opponent than before, but at the end of the day, it was just another warm-up for him. His victory wasn''t in question,only the time it would take.


    Scholar Felix also fought, and unlike Alex, his match was a close one.


    Both fighters were evenly matched, clashing repeatedly in a battle of technique and endurance. But in the end, Felix managed to secure the win.


    And now, only one fight remained.


    The final match of the second round.


    A fight that many disciples were looking forward to.


    The blond haired judge stepped forward, his usual bright smile on his face as he called out the next competitors.


    "Junior Yuan and Junior Ming Tao, step forward!"


    At his command, both fighters entered the battleground.


    Yuan, with his usual casual expression, walked calmly into position.


    Opposite him stood Ming Tao, a handsome young man clad in dark robes, his black hair neatly tied back, his sharp eyes filled with quiet confidence.


    Ming Tao had put on a decent performance in his previous match,not extraordinary, but solid for his level. He wasn''t the strongest competitor here, but he wasn''t someone to be underestimated, either.


    As both fighters faced each other, the blond haired judge raised an eyebrow and asked,


    "What weapon do you choose?"


    Yuan barely hesitated before answering.


    "A sword."


    The judge nodded and tossed a training sword to him. Yuan caught it effortlessly, giving it a few quick swings to test its weight before nodding in approval.


    Then, the judge turned to Ming Tao.


    "And you?"


    Ming Tao''s lips curled into a confident smirk.


    "An axe."


    A moment later, a heavy wooden axe was thrown his way, which he caught with one hand, spinning it once before resting it on his shoulder.


    The contrast was clear.


    The tension in the air grew thick.


    The crowd watched in silence.


    And then


    "Begin!"


    The match had officially started.

 Howling Wind Branch Sect Trial (7)

    Meng Tao didn''t hesitate.


    With an explosive burst of speed, he lunged forward, his battle axe swinging with devastating force.


    Yuan barely dodged.


    He staggered back, feet scrambling against the cave floor, narrowly avoiding the blade by the smallest margin. The sheer wind pressure from the swing sent a chill down his spine.


    Meng Tao laughed. "What''s wrong? Your luck won''t save you this time!"


    Without giving Yuan a chance to breathe, Meng Tao advanced again, swinging his axe with brutal efficiency.


    Yuan parried,clumsily.


    His sword clashed against the axe, but the impact nearly knocked it out of his hands. He was forced back, his posture breaking. His grip loosened, his stance wavered,it was obvious to everyone watching.


    Meng Tao was stronger.


    He pressed forward, raining down strike after strike, each swing heavier than the last. Yuan was like a leaf in a storm, constantly retreating, barely holding on.


    The crowd murmured, watching in anticipation.


    "He''s completely outmatched."


    "Heh, guess his luck ran out."


    "This fight is over. Meng Tao''s got this." S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yuan heard every single word.


    And deep inside, he smirked.


    Perfect.


    This was exactly what he wanted them to believe.


    Meng Tao''s fighting style was predictable,a mix of raw aggression and controlled momentum-based attacks. He moved with confidence, swinging his axe in wide arcs, using its weight to overpower his opponent.


    But confidence could be manipulated.


    And momentum¡­ could be used against him.


    Yuan allowed himself to stumble at the right times, barely dodging, barely blocking, barely holding on. To Meng Tao,and everyone watching,it looked like he was just struggling to stay alive.


    But in reality?


    He was simply waiting.


    Waiting for Meng Tao to make one crucial mistake.


    And then it happened.


    Meng Tao, eager to finish the fight, saw an opening,or at least, what looked like an opening.


    Yuan intentionally misstepped, his balance shifting the wrong way, leaving his side exposed.


    Meng Tao grinned victoriously.


    "There it is!"


    He swung.


    But Yuan had already calculated everything.


    At the very last second, he shifted his weight, his foot twisting just slightly to change his trajectory.


    The axe missed,by mere inches.


    For the first time, Meng Tao''s rhythm broke.


    His momentum carried him forward,too far forward.


    And in that moment¡­


    Yuan struck.


    His sword, previously clumsy and ineffective, suddenly moved with absolute precision.


    A clean, decisive strike landed right against Meng Tao''s chest.


    A gasp escaped Meng Tao''s lips. His body froze.


    Then¡­


    He fell.


    Silence.


    For a few moments, no one spoke.


    Then¡­


    The entire cave erupted.


    "What the,he actually won?!"


    "No way. Meng Tao was in complete control!"


    "That was just dumb luck! Meng Tao was about to end it, but he made one mistake¡ªone mistake!"


    Meng Tao himself lay on the ground, staring at the ceiling in disbelief.


    His mind replayed the moment over and over.


    He had seen an opening. He was sure of it.


    And yet¡­


    How did he lose?


    He clenched his fists. "I had that match¡­" he muttered.


    The blond haired judge chuckled. "Well, a win is a win. Congratulations,Junior Yuan."


    Yuan simply nodded, his face remaining calm, as if he himself couldn''t believe he won.


    But inside?


    Inside, he smiled.


    And now?


    They would remember him not as a warrior, but as someone who had survived by pure chance.


    And that¡­ was exactly what he wanted.


    But what Yuan could not have known was that one among the disciples had seen through his act. This person realized that everything was not mere luck or coincidence but a carefully orchestrated plan. However, instead of exposing him, they simply watched in stunned silence, confused as to why he was hiding his true abilities. Yet, they chose to remain quiet, merely observing as the semi finals were about to begin.


    "So, juniors! In one hour, the semi-finals will commence. I will give the five remaining competitors time to rest and prepare for their next battle!"


    With that announcement, the blond haired judge sat cross-legged on the ground, closed his eyes, and fell into meditation.


    But as he grew silent, the disciples around him erupted into conversation, discussing the rising talents who had made it this far in the Howling Wind Branch Sect''s selection trials.


    First was Alex Icen, an unknown figure before this tournament, but one who had now gained attention for both his sheer power and his exceptional mental endurance from the first trial.


    Then there was Scholar Felix, a prodigy from the Scholarly Cultivation Clan, known for their refined combat and vast Scholary knowledge.


    Li Chun, from the prestigious Li Noble Family, had also made it through, proving her skill and sharp instincts in her previous fights.


    And of course, Krieger, the most talented knight in the kingdom, a Knight whose name had already spread far and wide, even before this tournament.


    Finally, there was Yuan,like Alex, another competitor shrouded in mystery. No one knew where he had come from. He wasn''t overwhelmingly strong in combat, yet he had displayed an astonishing level of mental endurance, surpassing even some Blood Purification Stage disciples.


    The disciples speculated about both Alex and Yuan. Could they be from fallen noble houses? Perhaps from hidden cultivation clans?


    The discussions continued, but while the other disciples engaged in their chatter, the five finalists Alex, Felix, Li Chun, Krieger, and Yuan,remained completely silent. Like the blond haired judge, they sat cross legged, meditating, conserving their energy for the upcoming battles.


    Yuan did the same, but unlike the others, his focus wasn''t on recovering strength.


    Instead, he was analyzing the performance he had displayed throughout the tournament.


    He had pushed his luck far enough.


    Winning once or twice with sheer "luck" was believable. But if he continued winning, if he somehow made it to the finals, his entire facade would fall apart. People would start to see through the act.


    And that¡­ was something he absolutely could not allow.


    So, he had already made his decision.


    He would lose his next fight.


    Not in a way that looked deliberate. No, that would be suspicious. He had to lose convincingly,desperately, as if he had given his all and simply wasn''t strong enough.


    He calculated the level of effort he would need to exert, how many attacks he should land, when to falter, when to struggle, and most importantly¡­ the exact moment when he would "fail" and be eliminated.


    Fifth place. That was his goal.


    With his thoughts set, Yuan finally shifted his attention to the book they had received after the first trial


    Howling Wind Sect''s Rules & Introduction


    He flipped through the pages, his eyes scanning each word with quiet focus.


    If he was going to enter the sect, he needed to understand everything about it.


    And so, as the other competitors meditated in preparation for battle, Yuan calmly read, absorbing every rule, every structure, and every hidden meaning behind the words written on the page.


    The tournament was reaching its climax.


    And Yuan was already preparing his next move.


    But just as Yuan was in the middle of reading, a loud clap jolted him back to reality, along with the four other semi finalists.


    The sound echoed sharply through the cave, breaking the quiet atmosphere of meditation. Naturally, the source of the noise was none other than the blond haired judge, still wearing his ever-present casual smile.


    He clapped his hands together once more and then addressed the group.


    "So, as you juniors can clearly see, the numbers don''t line up perfectly for the semi finals," he said with a light chuckle. "Because of this, we have one extra fight that needs to take place. And since Junior Krieger was granted the privilege of skipping the previous round, I will have him fight first!"


    A short pause followed as murmurs rippled through the surrounding disciples.


    Then, the judge''s green eyes scanned the group before he called out the next competitor.


    "The one who will face Junior Krieger in battle is Junior Li Chun!


    "Please, the two of you, step forward!"


    The two figures stepped forward, standing a few meters apart in the center of the illuminated cavern.


    Krieger, the pride of the Royal Family''s Knight Order, carried himself with a dignified aura. His posture was upright, his every movement controlled and disciplined. He was the very embodiment of a knight righteous, unwavering, and graceful.


    He wore a white and silver robe was pristine. His blonde hair was neatly tied back, revealing sharp piercing blue eyes.


    Opposite him stood Li Chun, from the Noble Li Family.


    She was dressed in a violet robe embroidered with flower patterns. Her dark brown hair, tied in a high ponytail, swayed slightly as she shifted her weight. Her sharp bright green eyes gleamed with focus, yet within them burned a competitive spirit.


    As the two locked eyes, a sense of tension spread through the gathered disciples.


    The fight between these two was bound to be one of the most exciting matches of the tournament.


    The blond haired judge observed both competitors with a satisfied smile before raising his voice.


    "Junior Krieger and Junior Li Chun,are you both ready?"


    Li Chun spun her spear in her hand once before setting it into position, the twin blades glinting under the cave''s luminous stones.


    "Of course," she replied, her voice calm but eager.


    Krieger merely placed his hand on his sword hilt, bowing slightly as a knight should.


    "I am ready," he answered, his tone formal and composed.


    The judge nodded.


    "Then,begin!"


    The moment the command was given, Li Chun took the initiative.


    She lunged forward, twirling her spear in a swift arc, her twin blades slicing through the air like fangs of a serpent.


    Krieger didn''t back away. Instead, he sidestepped lightly, allowing the spear to brush past him by a mere inch before retaliating with a precise slash aimed at Li Chun''s wrist,a clean counter meant to disarm rather than harm.


    But Li Chun reacted swiftly, rotating her spear''s shaft to deflect the blade.


    Clang!


    A burst of sparks scattered as steel met steel.


    Instead of falling back, Li Chun pressed forward, launching a flurry of spear thrusts, each faster than the last. Her movements were sharp, decisive,every strike aimed at forcing Krieger to retreat.


    But Krieger stood firm.


    With practiced ease, he parried each attack with minimal movement, his sword never straying from its path, as though he had long predicted her every action.


    To the spectators, it was an elegant dance of offense and defense.


    Li Chun''s spear strikes were swift, aiming to disrupt Krieger''s stance, yet Krieger never overextended, his swordplay methodical, every counter measured.


    Despite her aggression, Li Chun could not break past his defenses.


    After several exchanges, Li Chun''s expression darkened.


    Her movements were fast, precise,yet no matter what angle she attacked from, Krieger always blocked her at the last moment.


    It felt as though he wasn''t even trying.


    Like he was merely humoring her.


    Her spear twirled once more before she leaped back, increasing the distance.


    She eyed Krieger, her golden eyes narrowing as she clenched her weapon.


    "You¡­" she exhaled, irritation seeping into her voice. "Are you still holding back?"


    Krieger blinked, his piercing blue eyes calm as ever.


    "No," he replied simply.


    "Don''t lie to me," she snapped. "I saw how you fough with Savage,you''re not fighting me seriously."


    The surrounding disciples exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement.


    Krieger was clearly restraining himself.


    His posture was too relaxed. His footwork too effortless. His counters too perfect.


    Li Chun took a deep breath.


    "Are you mocking me?"


    Krieger''s eyes widened slightly at the accusation, but his expression quickly returned to its usual calm.


    "I would never disrespect a fellow warrior," he said, bowing slightly in apology. "Forgive me, fellow disciple Li Chun."


    Then, for the first time since the battle began


    Krieger changed his stance.


    He raised his sword slightly higher, his grip tightening, and his expression grew serious.


    "You are correct," he admitted. "I have not been using my full strength. That was unfair of me. Allow me to correct this mistake."


    The moment those words left his lips


    A faint white glow began to form around Krieger''s blade.


    At first, it was subtle, like mist clinging to the wooden sword.


    Then


    The glow intensified, turning into a pure white aura that coated the sword''s entire length.


    The temperature in the cavern seemed to shift.


    A cold, sharp presence radiated from Krieger''s weapon,an aura that sent chills through everyone watching.


    Li Chun, who had been prepared to launch another attack, froze as she stared at the white glow surrounding Krieger''s sword.


    She saw that power before.


    And she knew she stood no chance against it.


    Still, she refused to back down.


    Her spear tightened in her grip.


    Then, she lunged,one final, desperate attack.


    But


    Krrrck!


    The moment her spear clashed against Krieger''s blade, the white aura overpowered it instantly.


    Her weapon shattered,its once sturdy wood reduced to fragments that scattered across the ground.


    The sheer force behind Krieger''s strike sent Li Chun tumbling backward, landing roughly on her back.


    A stunned silence followed.


    For a few moments, nobody spoke.


    The only sound was the soft clinking of broken spear fragments hitting the stone floor.


    Then


    The blond haired judge let out a deep breath and smiled.


    "Winner,Junior Krieger!"


    Li Chun, still sitting on the ground, let out a bitter laugh before shaking her head.


    "I see now¡­" she murmured. "There was no way I could have won."


    Krieger extended a hand toward her.


    "You fought well, fellow disciple Li Chun," he said, his voice as polite as ever.


    After a moment of hesitation, she took his hand, allowing herself to be pulled up.


    The match had ended.


    And Krieger had cemented himself as the most terrifying talent in the tournament.

 Howling Wind Branch Sect Trial (8)

    After the battle between Krieger and Li Chun ended, a heavy tension settled over the gathered disciples.


    The air was thick with awe, disbelief, and curiosity.


    The sheer display of Krieger''s sword aura had shaken everyone to their core.


    Murmurs quickly spread through the crowd.


    "Whoa¡­ what a fight! With just that white aura, he shattered her weapon like it was nothing!"


    "Yeah! Just what kind of power was that?!"


    "I''ve never seen anything like this before. Or even heard of it!"


    It was clear,none of them truly understood what had just happened.


    In response to their ignorance, Yuan merely snorted in his heart.


    How foolish.


    Sword Aura was not something one simply "had."


    It was an awakening,a manifestation of one''s connection to the sword itself.


    To achieve it, one had to train relentlessly for years, forging an unbreakable bond with their sword.


    Or


    One had to be a heaven-defying genius in aura cultivation.


    And with Krieger''s age of just fifteen years, his awakening of Sword Aura was nothing short of monstrous.


    To think a mortal kingdom could produce someone like this¡­ Yuan mused, his expression unreadable.


    In Basilisk''s memories, he too had an Aura, but it was not a Sword Aura.


    His was Raw Aura, a force that strengthened his body''s durability to unnatural levels.


    But he had even reached a higher realm of aura, something beyond what these disciples could even fathom.


    The Aura cultivation followed a simple path of advancement


    Beginner aura stage,Intermediate aura stage,Advanced aura stage,Peak aura stage and Master aura stage.


    Once one reached the Master Stage, they could then ascend into a higher realm of Aura,The Intention Realm.


    This higher realm also followed the same progression


    Beginner stage Intention ,Intermediate stage Intention,Advanced stage Intention,Peak stage Intention and Master stage Intention.


    The Basilisk had reached the beginner Stage of the Intention Realm, a level few could dream of achieving.


    Even among the ancient, terrifying cultivators who had lived for 80,000 years or more, most had only reached the Advanced or Peak Stage,but none had ever reached the Master Stage of the Intention Realm.


    This alone spoke volumes about how unbelievably difficult it was to advance in Aura and Intention cultivation.


    Most cultivators who sought to awaken Aura could only do so at the Bone Forging Stage.


    This was because Aura required immense bodily refinement, and most cultivators lacked the necessary endurance before that stage.


    However, Yuan had other plans.


    He wanted to awaken his Aura earlier,at the Blood Purification Stage.


    because this was the perfect moment for awakening aura,for him.


    During the Blood Purification Stage, a cultivator''s body underwent a qualitative change, the first pushing out the remnants of mortal weakness.


    If he could use that moment of change to his advantage, he might reach the awaken his aura and reach the beginner aura Realm.


    Yet, no matter how deep his thoughts ran about cultivation, time did not wait for him.


    The tournament continued.


    And then


    His name was called.


    The moment arrived.


    "The next round begins with Junior Scholar Felix and Junior Yuan! Please step forward!"


    The blond haired judge''s voice echoed throughout the training ground, signaling the start of the next match.


    At the announcement, a white robed figure stepped forward with an easy smile on his face,Scholar Felix.


    Yuan, with his usual calm expression, also stepped forward, acting as if he were preparing for a real fight.


    But in reality, he already knew the outcome of this match.


    Without hesitation, the blond-haired judge tossed them both their respective weapons,swords.


    Both Felix and Yuan caught their blades effortlessly.


    Taking their stances, they stood opposite each other, waiting for the fight to begin.


    The atmosphere was quiet.


    Tension built.


    Even though Yuan already planned to lose, he had to make it look real.


    "Start!"


    The blond-haired judge didn''t waste time before giving the signal.


    And immediately


    Yuan charged forward recklessly, running at Felix without any strategy or technique.


    His movements were sloppy. Untrained.


    He made no attempt to defend, no attempt to predict Felix''s moves, no attempt to do anything but throw himself straight at his opponent.


    It was a deliberate act.


    He wanted to lose. And he wanted to lose badly.


    Felix blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting such a ridiculous opening.


    Still, with perfect composure, the scholar calmly blocked Yuan''s attack.


    It was effortless.


    And then


    With just a simple movement of his foot


    Felix tripped Yuan.


    Yuan stumbled, falling face first into the ground, and his sword flew out of his grip.


    Before he could react


    Felix, still confused but instinctive, pointed his sword at Yuan''s neck.


    The match was over.


    The fight had lasted mere seconds.


    Two moves.


    Block. Trip.


    That was it.


    Even Felix looked confused, blinking as if struggling to process what had just happened.


    The surrounding disciples murmured in disbelief.


    "That¡­ that''s it?"


    "Wait, did Yuan just throw the match?"


    "That was way too fast!"


    The blond haired judge himself seemed at a loss for words.


    This wasn''t how these fights were supposed to go.


    But he couldn''t ignore what was right in front of him.


    With a sigh, he raised his hand and announced the winner.


    "Winner,Junior Scholar Felix!"


    But Felix looked a bit uncomfortable with the victory.


    After all, he hadn''t really fought Yuan,his opponent had simply tripped and lost instantly.


    Still, maintaining his composure, Felix extended his hand toward Yuan.


    "Are you okay?"


    Yuan stared at the offered hand for a moment before letting out an embarrassed chuckle.


    With a sheepish smile, he took Felix''s hand and let himself be pulled up.


    "Yeah, I was just too careless and tripped. Haha¡­ That''s pretty embarrassing."


    Now back on his feet, Yuan quickly patted the dust off his robes, as if trying to brush away his own humiliation along with it.


    Felix, seeing Yuan''s reaction, couldn''t help but chuckle as well.


    "Just be more careful in your next fight. If this were a real battle, you''d already be dead."


    He gave a lighthearted smirk before adding,


    "I''d advise you to train more on your footwork."


    Yuan nodded in gratitude, his expression full of sincerity.


    "Thanks for the advice. I''ll make sure to work on it."


    With that, Yuan turned away and walked back toward the other disciples, blending into the crowd as if nothing had happened.


    But after the fight was settled, the next match began immediately.


    However, there was an issue,one person too many remained in the tournament.


    With three contestants left for the finals, only Alex hadn''t fought in the previous round.


    To resolve this, the blond haired judge turned to Yuan and Li Chun, addressing them with his usual casual smile.


    "Juniors, we have an uneven number of contestants. Would either of you like to challenge Junior Alex?"


    A moment of silence followed.


    Then, Yuan stepped forward and shook his head with a slightly hesitant expression.


    "Senior, I appreciate the opportunity, but I''m not really confident enough to fight Alex. I''ll step back." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His humble words and calm demeanor made his withdrawal seem natural¡ªnothing unusual or suspicious.


    With Yuan stepping down, Li Chun made her decision.


    "I''ll do it."


    She stepped forward with determination in her eyes, ready to fight Alex.


    The match began swiftly, but what followed shocked everyone.


    Li Chun was completely dominated.


    Alex overwhelmed her with sheer, raw power,no refined techniques, no fancy footwork, just brute force and relentless aggression.


    His fists swung like hammers, each attack carrying terrifying strength.


    Li Chun tried to evade, tried to counter.but it was pointless.


    In mere moments, she was knocked out of the fight, unable to withstand Alex''s overwhelming power.


    A wave of shock rippled through the watching disciples.


    Even the blond haired judge, who had seen countless fights, raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.


    "Just raw strength alone¡­ no finesse¡­ yet completely unstoppable."


    Many disciples murmured amongst themselves, their gazes shifting toward Alex with newfound wariness.


    "That power¡­ that wasn''t normal!"


    "No technique, but he still crushed her!"


    "What kind of training does he even do?!"


    While the others were stunned, Yuan narrowed his eyes, carefully observing Alex.


    From the way his muscles tensed, the way his body seemed unnaturally durable, the explosive bursts of strength in his attacks¡­


    A thought formed in Yuan''s mind.


    Could he have a special body constitution?


    The idea made perfect sense.


    There exist rare physiques that enhance the physical body beyond normal human limits.


    Some granted monstrous strength, some provided unnatural durability, others gave incredible regeneration¡­


    And Alex''s overwhelming power hinted that he just might possess one.


    If that''s the case, then he''s even more dangerous than he looks.


    But Yuan didn''t dwell on it too much,this wasn''t his fight.


    As the final match was about to begin, all focus shifted toward the three remaining competitors


    Scholar Felix.The Knight Krieger.And the brute force warrior, Alex.


    The final battle was about to begin.


    The air inside the underground cave grew heavy with tension as the three remaining contestants stepped forward.


    Scholar Felix, The Knight Krieger, and the powerhouse Alex.


    The disciples watched in silence.This was the last match,the battle that would decide the strongest mortal awakened disciple among them.


    The blond haired judge, still wearing his casual smile, took a step forward.


    "Since we have three competitors left, we will proceed as follows,first, Scholar Felix will fight against Krieger."


    He paused for a moment, glancing at both combatants.


    "The winner will move on to fight Alex for the final battle."


    Felix nodded, adjusting his grip on his sword, while Krieger stood still, exuding an aura of calm confidence.


    The disciples whispered amongst themselves, placing their bets in their minds.


    "Felix is from a scholarly cultivation clan. He should have a solid foundation."


    "Yes, but Krieger has that white aura¡­ If he uses it, Felix is finished."


    Yuan stood at the back, arms crossed, watching carefully.


    Felix had skill. He was composed. But against Krieger, it wouldn''t be enough.


    And he was right.


    The blond haired judge raised his hand.


    "Begin!"


    Felix moved immediately.


    There was no hesitation in his movements as he lunged forward, his sword flashing with precision.


    But Krieger didn''t react.


    He stood still, almost unmoving, watching Felix''s approach with calm eyes.


    Then,in a single step,he closed the distance.


    Felix''s sword swung in a graceful arc, aiming for Krieger''s shoulder.


    But Krieger side stepped, avoiding the attack with effortless precision.


    The moment Felix''s sword missed, Krieger counterattacked,a swift and controlled strike to Felix''s wrist.


    Clang!


    Felix''s sword was knocked from his grasp.


    His eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, Krieger struck again,a quick but powerful kick to his chest.


    Thud!


    Felix staggered backward, barely managing to stay on his feet.


    The audience was stunned.


    The fight had just started¡­ yet Krieger had already disarmed and overwhelmed his opponent.


    Felix gritted his teeth and tried to recover, but Krieger didn''t give him a chance.


    With a swift dash forward, Krieger thrust his sword toward Felix''s chest.


    Felix dodged,barely. The tip of Krieger''s sword grazed his robes, leaving a faint tear.


    He tried to create distance, but Krieger followed immediately, pressing him with relentless precision.


    And then


    With one final step, Krieger raised his sword, activating his white sword aura.


    Felix''s expression changed instantly.


    "Tch!"


    But before he could react


    Slash!


    Krieger''s aura infused sword struck Felix''s shoulder.


    Though he held back his strength, the sheer power behind the attack sent Felix flying.


    Thud!


    Felix landed on the ground, gasping for breath.


    The blond haired judge stepped forward.


    "Winner,Junior Krieger!"


    Felix let out a bitter chuckle, pushing himself up.


    "I didn''t even stand a chance, huh?"


    Krieger stepped forward, offering a hand.


    "You fought well. But against a knight, you need more than just technique."


    Felix sighed, taking the hand with a small smile.


    "I''ll take that advice."


    With Felix defeated, the final battle was about to begin.


    As Felix stepped back, Alex finally entered the battlefield.


    The air shifted instantly.


    Krieger''s calm presence met Alex''s overpowering intensity.


    Two completely different fighting styles.


    One was refined and disciplined,a knight trained in the way of the sword.The other was unrelenting brute force,a warrior who fought with sheer raw power.


    The disciples murmured amongst themselves.


    "This is going to be intense."


    "With Krieger''s white aura, Alex might be suppressed."


    Yuan''s gaze narrowed.


    This is different from the previous fights. Alex won''t go down easily.


    The blond haired judge raised his hand once more.


    "Begin!"


    Alex charged immediately.


    Like a raging beast, he lunged forward, his fists clenched tightly.


    Krieger remained still, observing him closely.


    The moment Alex got close, he swung his massive fists.


    Whoosh!


    Krieger barely dodged, stepping to the side.


    Alex''s punch slammed into the ground, sending a small shockwave through the battlefield.


    Krieger quickly countered, swinging his sword.


    Alex raised his arm, blocking the blade with sheer strength.


    Clang!


    The sound of metal against flesh echoed through the arena.


    Krieger''s eyes widened slightly.


    "He blocked it¡­ with his bare arm?"


    Alex grinned.


    "That little light trick of yours isn''t enough to stop me, knight boy."


    Krieger jumped back, resetting his stance.


    Alex attacked relentlessly, throwing punches and kicks with wild aggression.


    Krieger deflected most of them, but Alex''s speed and strength were forcing him to stay on the defensive.


    Then


    Krieger saw an opening.


    With a quick sidestep, he unleashed a slash infused with white sword aura.


    Whoosh!


    The blade sliced through the air, aiming for Alex''s torso.


    But


    Boom!


    Alex slammed his foot into the ground, using the force to push himself backward just in time.


    The attack barely missed him.


    Alex gritted his teeth.


    For the first time in the tournament¡­ he was feeling the pressure.


    The fight continued, both warriors refusing to back down.


    Each clash sent echoing impacts across the battlefield.


    Krieger''s sword aura enhanced strikes.Alex''s raw, unrelenting physical power.


    Neither side relented.


    But then


    Alex began to slow down.


    His movements became slightly sluggish.


    His breathing grew heavier.


    Krieger, on the other hand, still had energy left.


    "You''re strong, Alex."


    Krieger stepped forward, sword glowing once more.


    "But you can''t fight forever."


    Alex gritted his teeth, eyes burning with frustration.


    "Tch! I won''t lose!"


    With one final push, Alex charged forward.


    Krieger took a deep breath, raising his sword.


    Then


    In one final clash


    Slash!


    Krieger''s sword landed cleanly on Alex''s shoulder.


    Alex''s body froze,the last of his energy draining away.


    Then


    Thud!


    He collapsed to one knee.


    The arena fell silent.


    The blond haired judge stepped forward, raising his hand.


    "Winner,Junior Krieger!"


    The disciples exploded in cheers.


    Alex let out a heavy breath, grinning despite his loss.


    "Damn¡­ I was so close."


    Krieger offered a respectful nod.


    "You were the strongest opponent I''ve faced here."


    Yuan, watching from the sidelines, let out a small chuckle.


    The Mortal awakened stage tournament was finally over.

 Howling Wind Branch Sect Trial (End)

    After the Mortal Awakening Tournament ended, the tournament for the Blood Purification cultivators began.


    However, Yuan only halfheartedly watched the fights. His focus had already shifted toward his own plans.


    First and foremost, he had been granted the status of High Outer Disciple, which was quite a prestigious position for a mere Mortal Awakening cultivator.


    As he recalled the book given to them by the blond haired judge, he reviewed the hierarchy within the Howling Wind Branch Sect, particularly regarding the different levels of outer disciples.


    There were three ranks among outer disciples


    first the Unofficial Outer Disciples


    These were individuals who could live within the sect but were not yet full-fledged disciples.They had to either work for the sect for thirty years or earn enough merit points to qualify as normal outer disciples and If they were reaching the Blood Purification Stage, they could bypass this requirement and immediately join as normal outer disciples.


    Outer Disciples


    Ordinary outer disciples were expected to complete sect missions within the sect''s territory.These missions varied from hunting demonic beasts to running errands for elders or higher-ranked disciples.If they performed well, they could take an advancement test to qualify for inner disciple status.


    High Outer Disciples


    High Outer Disciples were considered promising young talents who were expected to become inner disciples within a few years.Because of this, they were given support from the sect, including access to quiet places for cultivation.Many of these disciples even became direct disciples of elders or the Branch Sect Head.


    Beyond the ranks of outer disciples, there were two higher ranks Inner Disciples and Core Disciple


    To qualify as an Inner Disciple, one needed to be at least at the Blood Purification Stage or Meridian Awakening Stage.Inner Disciples received more important tasks from the sect but also gained access to greater resources.They were given their own cultivation cave, along with spiritual essence stones and other cultivation resources.Every year, they could train for one week at any of the sect''s training grounds for free.If an Inner Disciple wished to advance further, they had to take a sect mission to become a Core Disciple.


    Core Disciples were the elite of the sect.Upon promotion, they were granted a superior cultivation cave with higher spiritual essence density.They were provided even more cultivation resources and greater authority within the sect.Unlike Outer or Inner Disciples, they were no longer required to take missions. Their sole focus was cultivation.They had access to all training grounds without restriction.If they reached the Bone Forging Stage, they could become elders of the Branch Sect or even be transferred to the Main Sect as Core Disciples.


    As for the position of Branch Sect Head, the requirements were significantly stricter


    One had to be at least at the Marrow Essence Stage and had to be within 100 years of their lifespan''s end.


    Curiously, the book did not specify the exact tasks or privileges of elders or sect heads.


    Yuan narrowed his eyes.


    For a sect manual, it was surprisingly vague in that regard.


    But that didn''t matter.


    He had no intention of staying within the sect long enough to worry about inner politics.


    This system¡­ was simply something for him to exploit.


    Now that he understood the hierarchy, he could begin planning his next moves.


    But now that Yuan was a High Outer Disciple, once he reached the Blood Purification Stage, he would be directly promoted to an Inner Sect Disciple.


    This status alone would provide him with enough resources to potentially reach the Meridians Awakening Stage within twenty years.


    And if he could reach the peak of Meridians Awakening, then¡­


    If the Branch Sect Leader was a weak Marrow Essence cultivator, he could seize the entire sect.


    One step at a time.


    As Yuan''s mind churned with strategies on how to take over the Howling Wind Branch Sect, the Blood Purification Tournament came to an end.


    Unlike the Mortal Awakening cultivators, the battles were shorter and more decisive, as there were only ten Blood Purification cultivators participating.


    The winner of the tournament was a young man with golden hair and golden eyes, a strikingly handsome face, his golden robe matching the color of his hair.


    His name was Kuang Hao.


    The second place went to a young woman with brown hair and blue eyes. She wore a flowing blue robe and had a delicate butterfly hair clip resting in her hair.


    Her name was Schmetterling Rain.


    As for how the final battle unfolded¡­


    Kuang Hao was simply stronger.


    His cultivation was more refined, his foundation more stable.


    Unlike the battles of Krieger, which were filled with intensity and spectacle, Kuang Hao fought differently.


    There was no reckless display of power, no unnecessary techniques,only a calculated approach to securing victory.


    He fought with a clear strategy,prolonging the fight, wearing his opponent down, and striking only when necessary.


    Yuan silently nodded in approval.


    Not showing off. Using only the bare minimum.


    This was not the mindset of an arrogant young genius who sought to impress others.


    This was the mindset of someone who had experienced things.


    Someone who had learned that survival was more important than glory.


    This Kuang Hao¡­


    He''s interesting.


    "Good, good! My dear juniors, we have officially completed the trials given by the sect elder! From this moment on, you are now official members of the Howling Wind Sect, under the Seven Peak Mountain Mist Branch!"


    The blond haired judge spoke with a bright smile, his voice echoing through the training ground.


    A moment of silence followed.


    Then


    A wave of cheers and whispers erupted among the disciples.


    But before the excitement could fully settle in, the blond haired judge clapped his hands, drawing everyone''s attention once more.


    "Now, before we head to the Seven Peak Mountain Mist Sect, I will announce the rewards for the tournament victors!"


    The disciples leaned forward, eager to hear the prizes.


    "For first place, the winner will gain direct access to any faction within the sect! For the next three months, the faction will personally guide and support your cultivation!"


    A wave of gasps spread through the crowd.


    "Wow¡­ direct access to any faction?"


    "That''s insane! Even Inner Sect disciples have to earn their way in!"


    But the judge wasn''t finished.


    "For second place, you will receive full access to the Cultivation Hall, allowing you to select three cultivation techniques of your choice! Along with this, you will receive three Flying Heart Blood Pills!"


    Silence.


    Then


    "W-Wait! Did he just say Flying Heart Blood Pills?!"


    "Isn''t that¡­ Isn''t that the pill that allows even a mere mortal to reach Blood Purification in a single day?!"


    "This¡­ this reward is ridiculous!"


    A pill with the ability to instantly push someone from mortal to Blood Purification?


    That meant Alex, the second place winner, had guaranteed access to the Blood Purification stage.


    "Unbelievable¡­"


    The disciples murmured amongst themselves, shocked at the value of the rewards.


    But the judge merely chuckled, enjoying their reactions before continuing.


    "For third place, the reward is the ability to select one cultivation technique from the Cultivation Hall. In addition, you will receive one Blood Pumping Pill!"


    The excitement among the disciples continued to rise.


    "And lastly, for fourth to sixth place, you will each receive one Five Senses Pill!"


    A pause.


    Then


    "As for those who did not reach the top six¡­ you receive nothing."


    Silence.


    Complete silence.


    Then


    "What?! Nothing at all?!"


    "Wait, wait, wait! This can''t be right!"


    The lower-ranked disciples were stunned.


    Some even looked at each other in disbelief.


    But the blond-haired judge simply smirked, unfazed by their reactions.


    "This is a tournament, juniors. Only the strongest deserve rewards."


    His tone was light, but his words carried weight.


    A few disciples clenched their fists, accepting the harsh truth.


    Others, however, were clearly dissatisfied.


    But before anyone could voice complaints, the judge coughed lightly, regaining control of the conversation.


    "Now, I have one last important announcement."


    His smile faded, his expression turning serious.


    "Junior Krieger and Junior Alex."


    Both Krieger and Alex looked up immediately.


    "Both of you have immense talent. Because of this, upon arriving at the sect, you will each be assigned a junior disciple. They will escort you to meet an Elder who will give you a formal introduction to the sect."


    A pause.


    Then, with sharp clarity, he asked,


    "Do you both understand?"


    The two didn''t hesitate.


    "Yes, Senior!" Krieger answered immediately, his voice calm and respectful.


    "Yeah. Got it." Alex responded casually, nodding.


    The judge nodded in approval, his smile returning.


    "Good. With that settled, our next stop¡­"


    He raised his hand, gesturing toward the horizon.


    "¡­is the Seven Peak Mountain Mist Sect! Prepare yourselves, juniors."


    blond haired judge continued announcing the rewards for the Blood Purification cultivators.


    But Yuan barely listened.


    For him, those rewards were irrelevant.


    His mind was occupied elsewhere.


    The Five Senses Pill.


    This pill wasn''t mentioned anywhere in Basilisk''s memories.


    That alone made Yuan doubt its true value.


    If it were truly powerful, he would have at least heard of it.


    Could it actually help me cultivate beyond the Blood Purification stage¡­? Yuan pondered for a moment.


    Then, another thought struck him.


    Should I have just won the tournament?


    With the backing of a faction, he would receive constant cultivation resources.


    Herbs. Pills. Techniques.


    His progress would be much faster.


    He could advance through the stages without worrying about gathering resources himself.


    It was tempting.


    But


    Just as easily as the thought came, it disappeared.


    Ridiculous.


    Why should he risk exposing himself just for a few extra resources?


    For what?


    To be used as a pawn by the Sect Head?


    To become some Elder''s tool?


    Never.


    No amount of resources was worth binding himself to someone else''s will.


    As the final rewards were distributed, the blond haired judge clapped his hands, drawing everyone''s attention once more.


    "Juniors! Now that the trials are complete, we will now use the Teleportation Formation to travel to the Seven Peak Mist Mountain! Follow me!"


    Yuan''s eyebrows slightly furrowed.


    Teleportation Formation?


    Not a Runic Formation?


    They''re still using such a low level method?


    A formation without the power of runes?


    He shouldn''t have been surprised.


    After all, this was just a mortal kingdom.


    Even having one functioning formation was already considered a great feat for them.


    With that thought, he followed the group as they walked toward the end of the bright cave.


    Until finally


    They arrived at the Teleportation Formation.


    It was a large circle engraved into the ground, with countless smaller circles drawn within.


    Around it, four small ritual towers stood at each direction.


    The blond haired judge casually walked over to each of the four towers, placing a green stone into them.


    Yuan''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    A Middle Grade Spiritual Essence Stone.


    Just one glance was enough for him to understand exactly how the formation worked.


    But


    His thoughts darkened.


    This is primitive.


    A formation like this was dangerous if used for long distance teleportation.


    Without runes, it lacked heaven''s language.


    Which meant


    It required far more resources than necessary.It was significantly weaker and easily disrupted. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But for a short distance teleportation?


    It was passable.


    Even if wasteful.


    With the ritual towers activated, all the disciples stepped into the Teleportation Formation.


    The blond haired judge gave them one last playful wink, smiling at them as if bidding farewell.


    Then


    The formation activated.


    A violet glow engulfed the entire area, slowly devouring their bodies.


    And then


    They vanished.

 Arriving at the Howling Wind branch Sect

    "Greetings, Senior Brother Wu. What brings you to the Recruitment Hall today? It''s rare to see you here. Did someone from your clan''s younger generation join the sect?"


    The young man who spoke had black hair and black eyes, his features average, his dark green robe simple and without any patterns. In contrast, Senior Brother Wu had blond hair and green eyes, his dark green robe embroidered with intricate leaf patterns, signifying his status.


    Hearing the question, Wu Qi chuckled, a bright smile on his face.


    "Hahaha! Fellow disciple, who are you calling Senior Brother? I am merely at the middle Glowing Bone Stage, just like you."


    Then, with a dramatic sigh, as if he were lamenting some great injustice, he added,


    "But does that mean I am not allowed to visit Fellow Disciple Ye Jian in the Recruitment Hall? Surely, I don''t need a special reason to be here?"


    Ye Jian, unfazed by Wu Qi''s theatrics, simply snorted in annoyance.


    "What do you want, Wu Qi? I don''t have the energy to entertain you today. And even though you are the third young master of the Wu Clan, you should know that you can''t order me around as you please. Even if our Ye Clan is under your clan''s control, that doesn''t mean I am at your beck and call."


    "Hahahaha! Fellow Disciple Ye, you jest!" Wu Qi laughed heartily, waving a hand dismissively. "Me? Trying to control you? I am a righteous cultivator! I would never resort to such underhanded methods,such things are what demons do!"


    His laughter eventually faded, and with a small sigh, he spoke again, his tone now more serious.


    "Don''t worry, Fellow Daoist. Today, I''m not here on personal business. The Third Grand Elder has ordered me to welcome the newly arrived disciples."


    "The Third Grand Elder?" Ye Jian raised an eyebrow before nodding in understanding. "If it was Third Elder Wu Bin''s order, then you may as well wait here with me."


    Hearing this, Wu Qi grinned widely, his expression filled with amusement.


    "Hahaha! Thank you, Fellow Disciple Ye! If I had to wait here alone, it would be unbearably dull. But with you keeping me company, the time will pass much faster."


    And so, both Wu Qi and Ye Jian stood a few meters away


    The Recruitment Hall fell into silence, with only two figures standing motionless. The stillness persisted until the four ritual plates embedded in the teleportation formation began to glow with a deep violet hue.


    A thick violet mist emerged from the formation, swirling and coiling before gradually taking the shape of thirty human silhouettes.


    Moments passed.


    Slowly, the mist faded, revealing the figures of thirty newly arrived disciples.


    Watching their expressions, Wu Qi suddenly burst into laughter, unable to contain his amusement.


    "Hahaha!" He grinned. "Ah, juniors, you all look terrible! Did the teleportation formation treat you well?"


    Indeed, the effects of the teleportation had left many of them in poor condition. Even Yuan felt a sharp pain twisting in his stomach.


    Some disciples immediately doubled over, vomiting onto the ground. Others clenched their jaws, enduring the discomfort with pale faces and unsteady postures.


    It took nearly ten minutes before the effects began to subside. The vomiting stopped, and the nausea gradually faded from their bodies.


    Seeing that everyone had mostly recovered, Wu Qi flashed a bright smile and stepped forward.


    "Greetings, juniors! I am Wu Qi, and I have come under the orders of the Third Elder to escort Krieger and Alex. So, the two of you, please step forward."


    Hearing their names called, both Krieger and Alex stepped forward without hesitation.


    Wu Qi examined the two of them, his gaze filled with approval. He gave them a firm nod before speaking once more.


    "Alright, we''ll head directly to the Third Elder. Along the way, I''ll explain a few things about the sect. Come, let''s go!"


    Then, turning to the remaining disciples, he waved casually.


    "As for the rest of you, I hope to see you all as inner sect disciples someday! Farewell for now!"


    ""Understood!"" Both Krieger and Alex responded before following Wu Qi out of the Recruitment Hall.


    With their departure, Ye Jian stepped forward, his expression indifferent as he addressed the group. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So, juniors, from today onwards, you are all officially and unofficial disciples of the Howling Wind Sect. As such, each of you will be given an identification slate. I will now call out your names,when you hear yours, step forward and take your slate."


    His voice was cold and emotionless, showing neither favor nor disdain.


    One by one, he called out names, handing each disciple a small, smooth stone slate infused with spiritual essence.


    After a few minutes, all twenty eight remaining disciples had received their identification slates.


    Yuan examined his own.


    It was a bright green stone, simple in design, yet firm to the touch. One side bore the engraved words "Howling Wind Sect", while the other was carved with "High Outer Disciple: Yuan" in precise, flowing script.


    After distributing all the slates, Ye Jian spoke once more, his tone as indifferent as before.


    "In a few moments, some outer disciples will arrive to guide you around the outer sect region. Wait here until they come."


    Without saying anything further, he turned and left the hall.


    As he predicted, within minutes of his departure, a group of outer disciples arrived, theire bright green robes fluttering as they stepped forward to greet the new recruits.


    The guide assigned to Yuan was a middle aged man with black hair and brown eyes. He wore a plain bright green robe, signifying his status as an outer disciple.


    With a polite tone, he saluted and introduced himself, "Greetings, fellow disciple. My name is Empty Lake, and I will be your guide today."


    Yuan, maintaining his usual bright smile, returned the salute. "Hello, fellow disciple Empty Lake. I am Yuan. I hope you can give me a clear understanding of our sect!"


    Empty Lake smiled in response, then gestured for Yuan to follow as they left the Recruitment Hall.


    "Alright," Empty Lake began, "we will start with the hierarchy of the sect. First and foremost, the highest authority belongs to the Sect Head Wang. Beneath him, we have the three Grand Elders. The First Grand Elder, who is the Head of the Discipline Hall, is Grand Elder Hei Jun. The Second Grand Elder, overseeing the Cultivation Hall, is Grand Elder Leisure. And lastly, the Third Grand Elder, who leads the Defense Hall, is Grand Elder Wu Bin."


    Three Grand Elders¡­ and the most influential halls were the Discipline Hall, Cultivation Hall, and Defense Hall.


    Yuan nodded slightly, absorbing the information.


    Seeing Yuan''s acknowledgment, Empty Lake continued, "Then there are the Nine Elders. Three elders serve under the Discipline Hall. The Cultivation Hall only has one elder, while the Defense Hall has two. The remaining elders are stationed within the sect, assisting core and inner sect disciples with their cultivation or managing their respective halls."


    Nine elders¡­ that was quite a small number for a sect of this size. And judging by the structure, the Grand Elders were likely competing to recruit elders into their respective halls.


    "Next, we have the six main halls of the Howling Wind Sect the Discipline Hall, Cultivation Hall, Defense Hall, Pill Hall, Martial Hall, and Merit Hall."


    Empty Lake paused momentarily before elaborating further.


    "Each of these halls has its own sub halls. For example, under the Discipline Hall, there is the Recruitment Hall, the Judge Hall, and the Arrest Hall. The Cultivation Hall has only one sub hall the Library Hall. The Defense Hall is has three sub halls the Gate Hall, the Information Hall and the Guards Hall. The Pill Hall consists of the Herb Searching Hall and the Garden Hall.As for the Martial Hall, it has multiple sub halls dedicated to different weapons and techniques the Sword Hall, Spear Hall, Fist Hall, and Axe Hall. Finally, the Merit Hall has two sub halls the Mission Hall and the Reward Hall.These are all the main halls and their corresponding sub halls within our sect. Do you have any questions about them?"


    Yuan pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "No, that was quite informative."


    Empty Lake nodded in approval and resumed walking.


    As they continued down the stone paved street, Yuan observed the surroundings. They were heading toward a residential area filled with simple yet well structured buildings.


    "So, fellow Daoist, we have now left the Recruitment Hall''s area. Before us are the housing buildings for all outer disciples and high outer disciples," Empty Lake explained as he guided Yuan forward.


    Yuan took in the sight before him,the living quarters were vast, stretching across a large section of the sect''s grounds. The sheer number of buildings suggested a large disciple population, prompting him to ask, "Oh? How many disciples live here?"


    Empty Lake stroked his chin briefly before answering, "Hmm, we have around 2,500 outer disciples, about 500 inner disciples, and 100 core disciples. So, in total, the Howling Wind Branch Sect houses approximately 3,100 disciples."


    Yuan nodded slightly, deep in thought.


    3,100 disciples for a branch sect¡­ neither small nor large. It was a mediocre number, which could mean two things: either this branch sect wasn''t particularly powerful, or if it was, then the main sect itself was much weaker than he had initially expected.


    But these were questions that could be answered over time. For now, his priority was advancing to the Blood Purification Stage.


    "In these housing buildings," Empty Lake continued, "disciples are only expected to sleep here and then proceed to their assigned tasks. That means the housing quarters themselves aren''t particularly important. The only significant structure here is the Red Pavilion at the center of the residential area,that''s where the Outer Reward Hall is located."


    "As for the Mission Hall, it isn''t situated here, it''s located a bit further north. But don''t worry,you''ll familiarize yourself with everything in due time. For now, I will take you to your assigned housing. Tomorrow, one of the older outer disciples will guide you through the daily tasks and responsibilities. My role is simply to escort you to your residence and provide an explanation of the sect''s hierarchy and halls."


    With a polite smile, Empty Lake looked at Yuan before continuing to talk about the everyday tasks outer disciples were required to perform.


    As they walked, Yuan listened attentively while observing his surroundings.


    Eventually, they arrived at one of the larger pavilions situated in the southern part of the sect''s grounds.


    "Okay, this is the South Pavilion for high outer disciples," Empty Lake said, stopping in front of the structure. "Before I leave, let me explain the housing arrangements for outer disciples.First of all, there are three other pavilions the North, West and East Pavilions. These three pavilions are reserved for outer disciples who pay with their own merit points for better living quarters. However, the South Pavilion is exclusively for high outer disciples. Currently, there are about 300 high outer disciples living here."


    "As for the benefits of living in a pavilion rather than a standard outer disciple house? Those who reside in the pavilions have the privilege of cultivating longer. Normally, an outer disciple has to complete three tasks per week, but those who reside in a pavilion only need to complete three tasks per month. Because of this, they have significantly more time to focus on cultivation.


    "However," Empty Lake continued with a chuckle, "the price for staying in a pavilion is quite high. Not many disciples can afford it,only a select few."


    "Additionally, each pavilion has its own unique benefits."


    "The West Pavilion is most commonly rewarded by the Reward Hall for outstanding mission performances. The sect assigns difficult tasks to disciples, and those who complete them receive the privilege of staying in the West Pavilion. Because of this, it has the highest number of disciples among the four pavilions."


    "The North Pavilion is located close to the forbidden Mist Region, and due to its proximity, it is enveloped in a natural cold mist that helps cultivators refine their energy. Many disciples choose to stay there to aid their cultivation."


    "The East Pavilion is unique,it has a special formation placed by a well known formations master, allowing those who live there to calm their minds and focus better when learning new techniques. However, because of this advantage, it is also the most expensive pavilion among all four."


    "And lastly, the South Pavilion, where we are now. Although it houses many high outer disciples, it is by far the quietest place in the entire outer sect region. Because of this, it is the best place for those who prefer solitude and uninterrupted cultivation."


    Empty Lake then turned towards the entrance of the pavilion.


    "Now, let me show you to your room."


    Walking behind Empty Lake, Yuan finally arrived at his assigned room. The South Pavilion itself was simple in design,a large structure with numerous doors lined along its halls. His room was number 218.


    Stopping before the door, Empty Lake turned to him with a polite nod.


    "This is your room, fellow disciple. I hope you settle in well. If you need anything, you can find assistance from the outer sect attendants. Good luck with your cultivation."


    With that, Empty Lake left, and Yuan was alone once more.


    He pushed open the wooden door, stepping inside. The room was small and plain, with only the bare essentials. A single bed sat in the corner, next to a lamp, providing the only source of light. There wasn''t even a window.


    On top of the bed lay a bright green robe, the standard attire of the Howling Wind Sect''s outer disciples.


    Now truly alone, Yuan let out a deep sigh.


    His mind drifted back to everything he had experienced up until now.


    Elder Viktor.Emilia.The Barony of Icen.


    Although it wasn''t much in the grand scheme of things, he had seen and learned far more than he ever had in his previous life.


    But now, none of that mattered.


    Without hesitation, he changed into his bright green robes and then sat cross legged on the bed. Closing his eyes, he calmed his breathing, silencing all stray thoughts.


    Now was not the time for reflection.


    He had work to do.


    Without wasting another moment, he began circulating his Flame Poison Cleansing Demonic Beast Technique.

 The Outer Sect Area

    Morning arrived swiftly as Yuan cultivated the Flame Poison Cleansing Demonic Beast Technique throughout the night. However, a sudden knock on his door disrupted his focus, forcing him to open his eyes and halt his cultivation.


    Letting out a quiet breath, Yuan stood up, adjusted his bright green sect robe, and made his way toward the door.


    As he pulled it open, he was met with the sight of a tall young man, possibly around 1.90 meters in height, with long black hair and sharp black eyes. He, too, wore the same bright green robe, marking him as a fellow outer disciple.


    The young man''s expression remained indifferent as he regarded Yuan.


    "Hello, junior. I''m here to show you the sect and what tasks you''ll be assigned to." His tone was direct and emotionless.


    Yuan, as always, wore his warm and polite smile as he greeted his senior.


    "Yes, thank you, Senior!"


    However, the tall disciple didn''t bother responding. Instead, he simply turned around and began walking away.


    "Come. I will show you where to take missions and how to earn merit points."


    Without hesitation, Yuan followed behind him, keeping pace.


    After walking about three kilometers, they finally left the outer disciple area, stepping onto a vast, open field where a lone pavilion stood at the center of the flat ground.


    "We are now at the Mission Hall. This is where you will take on missions," the tall disciple explained in his usual indifferent tone as he led Yuan into the pavilion.


    "There are three types of missions: Hunting Missions, Governing Missions, and Special Missions.Hunting Missions usually involve killing demonic beasts or killing bandits .Governing Missions are focused on managing the sect''s cities, overseeing trade, or solving problems in a given region. Unlike Hunting Missions, these often take several years to complete.And then, there are Special Missions. These vary widely in nature, ranging from guiding new disciples,like what I''m doing right now,to cleaning the sect grounds, assisting with construction, or other internal sect tasks. The length of these missions differs, but the duration is always stated on the mission board.Once you complete a mission, you must report to the Outer Reward Hall, located in the center of the outer disciple area. There, you will present your identification slate, and after verifying your mission and providing evidence of completion, you will receive your merit points."


    Yuan nodded silently, absorbing all the information.


    Seeing that Yuan had no immediate questions, the tall disciple turned and resumed walking, leading him further into the sect.


    After traveling a few more kilometers, another pavilion came into view.


    The tall disciple gestured toward it and continued his explanation.


    "This is the School Pavilion. For the next three months, you will come here daily to study.You will learn about common cultivation rules, sect regulations, the territorial borders of our lands, the history of our sect, and gain insight into the other six major sects.Starting tomorrow, at sunrise, you are expected to be here on time. Do not be late."


    Yuan simply nodded in understanding.


    After that, the tall young man continued to repeat much of what Empty Lake had already explained,the four pavilions, the main and sub halls, the elders,but there was something missing.


    What exactly do inner sect disciples do?


    That was something neither of them had mentioned.


    A few hours passed, and they simply walked around the outer disciple area.


    The tall disciple casually mentioned that every three months, an Outer Disciple Auction takes place.


    At the same time as the auction, there is an Outer Disciple Exchange, where disciples trade all kinds of items.


    And then, once a year, the Inner Sect Recruitment is held.


    This event happens on the last day of the year, where outer disciples are given the opportunity to take on advancement missions to earn the right to become inner sect disciples.


    However, it was also the most dangerous time of the year.


    Most of the sect''s deaths occurred during this period.


    Overconfident outer disciples, believing they were ready for the challenge, would accept missions beyond their abilities. They would either complete them and advance¡­ or die trying.


    Because of this, older outer disciples rarely attempted the advancement missions.


    They had seen too many failures.


    But at the same time, those who did succeed were always far stronger than the average outer disciple.


    It was a brutal but effective form of natural selection.


    That was Yuan''s immediate thought about the inner sect advancement missions.


    Of course¡­


    Such missions could also be manipulated.


    An ambitious outer disciple could be sent on an impossible mission, ensuring their death.


    But thoughts like these were better left unsaid.


    And so, the day passed slowly, with Yuan now having traveled through the entire outer sect region.


    The tall young man had shown him the regular cultivation spots for outer disciples, explaining how they fought daily just to secure a location to cultivate.


    The outer sect region was vast, filled with countless small mountains, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.


    However, there were three most desired locations that every disciple fought for:


    Fang of the Wolf,a fang shaped mountain with a denser concentration of spiritual essence than other areas. Cultivating here was highly sought after.


    Pressure of Gravity,a waterfall that increased body endurance through its sheer weight. Many disciples broke through their limits here, making it a prime spot for refining the body.


    The Small Pond,unlike the others, this pond didn''t enhance spiritual essence or body refinement. However, it was extremely valuable for stabilizing one''s cultivation after a breakthrough. Even inner sect disciples used it to stabilize themselves when advancing to the Meridian Awakening Stage. But for cultivators at the Bone Forging Stage or higher, it became completely useless.


    Beyond these key locations, the tall young man mentioned other matters, such as


    The Yearly Outer Sect Tournament, where disciples tested their strength.The required number of missions each disciple had to complete.The Four Seasons Festival, an event held within the sect.


    But none of these were important to Yuan right now.


    His priority was cultivate his Azure Basilisk flame with the Flame Poison Cleansing Demonic Beast Technique.


    And so, as the tour ended, Yuan once again sat on his bed and began to cultivate his azure basilisk flame through the entire night, without taking any breaks.


    After hours of cultivation, Yuan eventually broke out of his meditation, sensing that it was almost time to leave for the School Pavilion.


    Standing up, he took one of the Mortal Food Pills,a common food substitute that every new disciple received upon entering the sect.


    These pills had been given to him by the tall young man during his tour.


    For disciples who had just joined the sect and were still studying in the School Pavilion, the sect provided enough pills to last the three month learning period.


    But after that?


    They would have to buy them with merit points.


    Yuan popped the pill into his mouth and then left his room, heading toward the School Pavilion.


    Every day, the same routine repeated itself.


    Cultivate. School. Repeat.


    Yuan didn''t sleep at all during these three months.


    It was unnatural,a Mortal Awakening Stage cultivator should need sleep.


    But thanks to the Azure Basilisk Flame, he could maintain this sleepless state for at least half a year if he only used it to nurture his body.


    However, since he was also refining the Azure Basilisk Flame, his body could only endure three months without rest.


    But in those three months, Yuan learned many things about the Howling Wind Sect.


    One of the most interesting discoveries was that the sect''s history only spanned about 4,500 years.


    Not only that, the Howling Wind Sect was founded in the Seven Peak Mist Mountain.


    And so, a thought emerged in his mind.


    Basilisk was imprisoned about 5,000 years ago¡­ Could this sect have something to do with him?


    The coincidences were too strange to ignore.


    Furthermore, records stated that the Founder and Ancestor of the Howling Wind Sect had only been able to establish the sect thanks to a powerful spiritual sword that he had discovered one day.


    A powerful spiritual sword¡­?


    Yuan narrowed his eyes.


    If he had to guess, there was a possibility that the Founder of the Howling Wind Sect had obtained the Chaotic Devouring Sword,the very weapon Basilisk once wielded in the past.


    But Yuan didn''t only learn about the sect''s ancestor and founder,he also gained a deeper understanding of common cultivation knowledge.


    For example, he memorized the names of all the cultivation stages:


    Mortal Awakening Stage


    Blood Purification Stage


    Meridian Awakening Stage


    Bone Forging Stage


    Marrow Essence Stage


    Body Reconstruction Stage


    They had told him that only after reaching the Marrow Essence Stage would he be allowed to learn more about the higher cultivation realms.


    But Yuan already knew them.


    Above the Body Reconstruction Stage was the Body Ascension Stage.


    And after that, came the Spirit Forming Stage.


    The Body Ascension Stage was also known by another name


    The Peak of the First Part of Cultivation.


    This was because cultivation itself was divided into three great parts


    The Body part


    The Spirit part


    The Soul part


    Everything beyond that?


    Even Basilisk, with his high level Soul Fusion cultivation, didn''t fully understand the mysteries of cultivation after the Soul Realm.


    But not everything taught in the sect was entirely correct.


    For example, they claimed that Spiritual Essence was the essence of man, but that is false, it is the essence of all living beings.


    And Qi was the true essence of man.


    Aside from cultivation knowledge, he also studied the political borders of the sect and the other six sects'' territories.


    The Howling Wind Branch Sect, located within the Seven Peak Mist Mountains, controlled around 20% of the entire mountain range.


    The Howling Wind branch Sect stretched for about 50 kilometers, yet the sect only occupied around 10 kilometers of land.


    The rest of the land belonged to mortal kingdoms, towns, and villages, with only two cultivation cities directly owned by the Howling Wind Sect.


    The other six sects were known as


    Thousand Paths Sect,Treating Will Sect,Friendly Alliance Sect,Martial Iron Sect,Gray Mist Sect and Overseer Branch Sect


    Together with the Howling Wind Branch Sect, these seven sects controlled over 70% of the Seven Peak Mist Mountain.


    The remaining 30% belonged to the families and clans that had lived in the region for generations.


    However, since these families were weaker than the seven sects, their territory was far smaller.


    Most of these cultivator families were affiliated with one of the seven sects, so most didn''t care much about how the 30% of land was divided among them. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But among these families, there were five that stood above all others,powerful enough to be called Emperors in their own right.


    These were


    The Wu Family,The Li Family,The River Family,The Prayer Family and The Ruby Family


    Each of them was strong enough to rival the sects in terms of power.


    Unfortunately, nothing more specific was mentioned in the teachings.


    And just like that, three months passed.


    And today was a special day.


    Because today, Yuan would finally advance to the Blood Purification Stage.


    Yuan already approached his instructor and informed him that he would archive a breakthough soon.


    Naturally, the teacher was delighted.


    After all, Yuan was the only one student and he was about to reach the Blood Purification Stage!Yuan could see the greed in the teachers eyes shinning.


    And without hesitation, he quickly made the necessary arrangements for Yuan''s seclusion period.


    And now, Yuan sat on his bed, his eyes closed, his breathing calm.


    He steadied himself.


    He focused inward.


    And he began his breakthrough.

 Blood Purification Stage

    Blood Purification Stage.


    It had been too long since he reached the peak of the Mortal Awakening Stage, and now, at last, he would advance to the Blood Purification Stage. He had lingered at this level for far too long, but this moment was crucial.


    First, he needed to take advantage of the advancement process, using the small surge of spiritual essence absorbed by his body to enhance his overall physique. However, he would not stop there. He would link this process to awaken his aura, using the memories of Basilisk, who had already attained a higher realm of aura, to stimulate his soul and push for an early awakening.


    Aura was the manifestation of the soul itself, but it was different from soul essence, which was a sub form of inner qi,achieved only when one attains perfect harmony between spirit and body. Unlike that, aura was the raw power of the soul, something that every cultivator inherently possessed. It was the minimum requirement to step into the Soul Cultivation Part, which was why it was normal for Peak Spirit Cultivators to have Aura.


    For the greatest cultivation clans, awakening aura at the Bone Forging Stage or Marrow Essence Stage was considered standard. Those who failed to awaken it by then would be deemed failures by their clans. However, for most other sects or lower ranking clans, even an aura awakening at the Body Ascension Stage was already considered a sign of genius talent.


    Yet, awakening aura at the Blood Purification Stage was said to be impossible,something that only heaven defying talents could achieve. But Yuan could make the Impossible possible. He understood the feeling of manipulating aura through Basilisk''s memories. If he executed it correctly, he might succeed.


    However, failure was also possible.If his soul''s uniqueness interfered with the process, his aura could manifest as something incredibly powerful or shockingly weak. Or, perhaps, It might fail to awaken it altogether, forcing him to wait until he reached the Peak Spirit Realm.


    But he didnt fear failure.


    This was a chance.


    And he would take it.


    So the outcome could be anything.


    If he failed to awaken his aura, he would lose the natural cleansing effect that came with the advancement. This meant he would be weaker than the average Blood Purification cultivator in terms of pure cultivation and would have to seek an alternative method to compensate for the loss or he could even become a Cripple.


    However, if he succeeded, the rewards would be big.


    Not only would his strength receive a significant boost, but his cultivation speed would also skyrocket. With aura, he could accelerate the process of generating spiritual blood and awaken his meridians faster than normal cultivators.


    Even with the risk of failure, the potential gains were just too great.


    He had to try.


    With that resolve, Yuan reached into his pocket and pulled out the Five Senses Pill. He had learned about this pill from his school instructor, who explained that its purpose was to heighten all five senses, allowing cultivators to gain better control over spiritual essence.


    With such an effect, it was the perfect pill to take at this moment.


    Yuan took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and swallowed the pill.


    Immediately, the effects took hold.


    His perception of spiritual essence intensified dramatically,at least twice as strong as what he normally experienced. It was a great advantage for his breakthrough.


    Without hesitation, Yuan began his advancement process.


    First, a faint spiritual pressure radiated from his body,so weak that it was barely noticeable. Slowly, spiritual essence in the air began to flow toward him. As the essence neared his body, a sudden sharp pain struck him, and he began to bleed from his eyes and nose.


    He was inhaling the spiritual essence.


    It was excruciatingly painful.


    Most cultivators relied on pills to make their breakthroughs smoother. But Yuan couldn''t do use them. If he wanted to use the pure cleansing effect of the spiritual essence to awaken his aura, he had to endure the unfiltered pain to have the most pure spiritual essence come to him.


    The Five Senses Pill helped him control the energy flow, but it couldn''t lessen the pain of the process.


    Even if he had access to better pills, he wouldn''t have been able to afford them. He lacked both the resources and connections to obtain the necessary herbs.


    And so, he endured.


    But as the bleeding continued, Yuan slowly began to draw in more and more spiritual essence, until he was completely surrounded by it.


    This process sounded quick, but in reality, an entire day had already passed since he started his advancement.


    Slowly, his blood purification advancement began, ridding his body of the mortal blood impurities. But now that he was fully engulfed in spiritual essence, it was time for the next step.


    Without hesitation, Yuan hastily absorbed the surrounding spiritual essence into his body.


    And then,pain.


    His blood flow burned, an unbearable sensation ripping through every vein and artery. This step was dangerous,so reckless that it could kill him if he didn''t stop at the right moment!


    Yet, he did not stop.


    As the spiritual essence surged through his bloodstream, it fused with every blood cell, forcefully purifying his body.


    Yuan vomited blood, his body violently rejecting the impurities that had built up inside him. But even as blood pooled around him, he didn''t allow himself to falter.


    His body was now temporarily at the peak of the Blood Purification Stage.


    It was time.


    He activated his Azure Basilisk Flames.


    A flickering blue flame emerged between his eyebrows, dancing with intensity as it grew larger and larger,until it reached a height of five centimeters!


    Then,Yuan opened his mouth.


    The flame rushed into him, splitting into a thousand tiny embers, each one scattering through his bloodstream, embedding itself into every flowing drop of blood.


    Agony.


    Unlike the previous pain, this was unrelenting, all consuming.


    The fire raged within him, tearing through his body with an indescribable intensity.


    Yuan''s muscles tensed, his veins bulged, and yet,he gritted his teeth and endured.


    His blood covered eyes snapped open, glowing with a faint azure hue.


    The Azure Basilisk Flames had already completed two full circulations through his bloodstream.


    For a brief moment, his body stabilized, his cultivation reaching the brink of perfection.


    But if he hesitated even for a second,his body would be permanently crippled.


    NOW!


    He began to draw his purified blood, transforming it into spiritual blood!


    With just a portion of his blood converted, he had now officially stepped into the Blood Purification Stage.


    But,this was not the end.


    For most cultivators, this moment would mark the completion of their breakthrough. They would stop here, relishing in their advancement, stabilizing their new stage.


    But for Yuan,this was only the beginning.


    His body was now in a unique and unstable state,half of him at the peak of Blood Purification, the other half still adapting to the initial stages of it.


    This imbalance was dangerous.


    Normally, the spiritual essence absorbed during advancement would smoothly integrate with the body, strengthening it in harmony.


    But for Yuan, the spiritual essence grew restless.


    As if it possessed a will of its own, the essence hesitated, uncertain of where to flow,until finally, it found a direction.


    It surged toward his brain.


    In the depths of Yuan''s mind, beyond the conscious world, lay the Soul Plane Realm,the very space where a cultivator''s true soul resided.


    Every living being had their soul and spirit locked within their brain, sealed away until they reached the Spirit Awakening Stage or higher. Only then could they move their soul''s position at will.


    But now,his unawakened soul was being forcefully drawn out!


    The spiritual essence pierced directly into his Soul Plane Realm, a place that only Soul Cultivators could perceive and interact with.


    Yet, thanks to this unprecedented phenomenon, Yuan had stepped into the Soul Plane prematurely.


    And as the swirling spiritual essence gathered within his mind


    Something began to stir.


    His dormant soul, untouched and unseen for so long, was now being awakened!


    Now was the time for Yuan to act!


    His Azure Basilisk Flame could no longer endure the overwhelming pressure of his peak Blood Purification body.


    An excruciating pain erupted through him, an agony so intense that it felt as if he were drowning in a sea of flames,his flesh, blood, and very existence burning from the inside out.


    This was the perfect moment to awaken.


    If he failed here, his body would collapse under its own imbalance.


    He would lose his body''s newfound power, his spiritual blood essence, and become nothing more than a crippled Blood Purification cultivator.


    But,he had a path forward.


    With his Azure Basilisk Flame now returning to him, he could use its power to send it directly into his Soul Plane. The spiritual essence flooding his body could then be guided toward one single goal,awakening his aura!


    Yuan acted without hesitation.


    The Azure Basilisk Flame flickered between his brows, burning brightly for an instant before slowly fading into his body.


    Yet,this was only the beginning.


    His control over the Azure Basilisk Flame was precise. He willed it not to scatter aimlessly but to force the spiritual essence toward a singular point,his unawakened soul.


    The flame pressed down upon the spiritual essence, forcing it to move according to his will rather than letting it flow randomly.


    This was an incredibly dangerous gamble.


    But the Azure Basilisk Flame was no ordinary fire,it was far superior to the low grade spiritual essence surrounding him.


    With the sheer pressure of the flame, he could forcefully compress and guide the spiritual energy into the depths of his soul!


    And then


    His soul reacted!


    The moment of all moments had arrived.


    There was no room for error.


    Everything had to be executed perfectly!


    Yuan''s Soul Plane remained calm, his body began to twist and contort unnaturally, slowly tearing itself apart.


    Yet, Yuan did not resist the damage.


    He accepted it.


    If he could awaken his aura, then every wound, every torn muscle, and every shattered bone could be healed through its power.


    So he endured.


    The reaction within his soul intensified, growing stronger and stronger, until it reached the deepest part of his being,his unawakened Soul Pond. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now was the moment!


    Yuan focused all of his control, using every method at his disposal to gently guide the spiritual energy toward his Soul Pond.


    And then,he succeeded.


    The spiritual essence began to fuse into his Soul Pond, causing a temporary state of soul awakening!


    For a fleeting moment, his entire existence trembled.


    But he wasn''t done yet.


    Yuan exhaled sharply, driving out the remaining spiritual essence from his Soul Plane with the force of his Azure Basilisk Flame.


    The excess spiritual energy was expelled, returning to the Real world.


    Yet,the small amount that had fused within his Soul Pond remained.


    This tiny fusion allowed Yuan to manipulate the Azure Basilisk Flame with his will, to take control of the half fused spiritual essence and redirect its power!


    Now, it was time for the final step.


    Yuan infused his intent into the Azure Basilisk Flame, commanding it to dive into his Soul Pond alongside the lingering spiritual essence.


    The fusion of his Azure Basilisk Flame and his own will was made possible thanks to his mastery of the Flame Poison Cleansing Demonic Beast Technique.


    Normally, this technique was designed to allow a cultivator to move their flames freely within their body, using it to cleanse poisons and heal wounds.


    But Yuan saw beyond its intended purpose.


    To him, this was more than just a cleansing technique,it was a method of imprinting one''s will upon the flame itself!


    A way to create a second version of oneself, a fragment of his mind and intent, woven into the flame''s existence.


    This was the perfect state for him to awaken his aura.


    And he succeeded.


    At last,his aura was born.


    The Azure Basilisk Flame fused with his Soul Pond, permanently marking his very soul with its essence.


    And then, just as suddenly as it had disappeared into the depths of his being


    The Azure Basilisk Flame returned to the real world.


    Then, after a painful moment, a red colored aura manifested around Yuan, flickering like a burning flame.


    As soon as the aura took form, Yuan instinctively controlled it, wrapping it around his wounded body like a crimson armor.


    But this armor did not last long.


    Slowly, the red aura began to sink into his skin, fusing seamlessly into his body.


    It flowed through his muscles, bones, and meridians, repairing the half crippled state he had forced himself into.


    And at this moment, it was done.


    Yuan had officially stepped into the Blood Purification Stage.


    But more importantly


    His aura had awakened.


    And not just any aura,a regenerative aura!


    This was not an endurance type aura, nor a strength enhancing aura, nor even a pressure emitting aura like most cultivators sought to awaken.


    No, his aura was something far rarer.


    A regenerative aura was one of the rarest types of aura in existence,a power that allowed him to heal wounds and recover from injuries at an unnatural rate.


    With this, the month long healing process he had originally estimated was now reduced to just a week¡­ or even less!


    This¡­ was the power of aura!


    A low chuckle escaped Yuan''s lips as waves of exhaustion crashed over him.


    His body was in agony, screaming from the immense strain he had put himself through.


    But he didn''t care.


    "Hehehe¡­"


    A quiet, tired laugh left his mouth as his vision grew hazy.


    I''m so exhausted¡­


    His limbs grew heavy, his consciousness fading, his body sinking into the blood soaked bed beneath him.


    But before he succumbed to sleep, a faint smile appeared on his lips.


    "Worth it."


    And with that, Yuan lost consciousness, slipping into a deep sleep


    While his red aura continued to silently heal his body.

 Becoming an Inner Sect Disciple

    "Hmm¡­" A soft sound escaped Yuan as he slowly woke up, his azure black eyes flickering open.


    As he looked around, he could still feel the dull pain lingering in his body. Though the process of advancing had been brutal, it was still within his limits. But then he noticed something.


    Blood.


    His entire body was covered in it, dried crimson clinging to his robes, his skin, his bed. Everything beneath him was soaked in his own blood.


    "I slept in my own blood, huh? What a weird thing to do," Yuan muttered to himself, his tone with sarcasm. He exhaled and closed his eyes again, shifting his focus inward.


    His aura was still active, constantly moving around his body, healing every wound, every torn muscle, every fractured bone.


    Feeling the constant flow of his aura, Yuan began to understand just how unique it was. In Basilisk''s memories, he had seen a few regenerative aura cultivators before,monsters that were nearly impossible to kill. Even Basilisk himself, with all his power and schemes, had spent years chasing one, only to give up in the end. They were simply too hard to put down.


    Basilisk''s own aura had been different. His aura didn''t regenerate his body, it accelerated his thoughts. The higher his cultivation, the faster his mind worked, to the point where he could process everything around him in an instant.


    That was the real reason why he had always been a step ahead of his enemies. Why he had always survived.


    But this aura had another effect. As his thoughts became faster, his perception of pain changed. It no longer registered the same way. And over time, he had gained full control over his pain receptors. To the point where, even at death''s door, he could remain completely rational. Could still think clearly.


    That was why Basilisk had been feared as both a Cultivator and a schemer. Even when bleeding out, even when on the verge of death, he could still fight, still calculate every move.


    Auras like that were beyond rare. Even in countless years of history, only a few had ever awakened something similar. It was more likely for someone to be born with one of the Top Ten Body Constitutions than to have such an aura.


    But Yuan''s aura¡­


    A regenerative aura. Was not something that made him stronger. Was not something that made him faster.


    No, it was something that made him endure.


    He could already tell,this aura would keep him standing no matter how many times he would be near death. It would keep him alive even when his body should have already been broken beyond repair.


    With time, it would become something no one could fight against.


    He smirked slightly, still lying in his pool of blood.


    "Not bad."


    But Yuan couldn''t care less about what Basilisk had. That was his aura, his soul, and now he was dead. What mattered now was his own power.


    His red aura,a regenerative type,was far more potent than he had expected. Since he fell unconscious, only two days had passed, yet he was already half healed. If he simply let his aura work, he would be fully recovered within another two days.


    Four days. That was all it took to repair the damage from his brutal advancement and aura awakening.


    But if he combined his Azure Basilisk Flame with the Flame Poison Cleansing Demonic Beast Technique, he might cut that down to just three days.


    A terrifyingly powerful tool.


    Yuan chuckled, a quiet amusement lacing his voice. In a single breakthrough, his survival chances against stronger cultivators had skyrocketed.


    Before, even with an normal Endurance enhancing or normal Strength enhancing aura, he had estimated that he could barely withstand an attack from a middle Bone Bright Forging stage cultivator.


    But now?


    With his regenerative aura, he was confident that he could survive an encounter with even a peak Bone Bright Forging cultivator,or maybe even a beginner Bone Refined Stage cultivator.


    That was a massive leap in power.


    But it wasn''t just his power that had improved. Thanks to reaching the Blood Purification Stage, his entire being had changed.


    First, he was now officially beyond mere mortality. He was no longer a mere mortal human, but a true cultivator that begins his Journey.


    His natural regeneration had increased at least fivefold, making wounds that would be dangerous mere inconveniences.


    Second, his sensitivity to spiritual essence had improved drastically. The flow of spiritual essence within his body had become clearer, more refined. He could direct and manipulate it with much greater precision thanks to the transformation of his blood into spiritual blood.


    Not only had his strength and endurance increased, but so had his lifespan. From a mere 80 years, the natural limit of a mortal, he now had around 105 years to live.


    And it wouldn''t stop here.


    His body''s aging process had slowed significantly due to the infusion of spiritual blood into his veins. Though this wasn''t particularly useful for cultivation, many cultivators cared about the youthful appearance they maintained after stepping into the Blood Purification Stage.


    But that wasn''t the most important change. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now that he had spiritual blood, he could use a few minor tricks,not combat techniques, but subtle tricks that relied on spiritual essence within his body.


    Nothing powerful.


    Nothing flashy.


    But useful.


    For instance, he could slightly alter his appearance, an technique that could serve as a disguise in critical situations. Or, he could harden his own blood, turning it into a hidden weapon,useful for assassination or surprise attacks.


    Of course, these were not battle changing techniques. In a direct fight, they were almost worthless. But tricks were still tricks, and having more options was always better than having none.


    "Haah¡­" Yuan exhaled, his body still aching from his breakthrough. His mind, however, was already focused on the next stage.


    The Meridian Awakened Stage.


    "But first¡­ I need to reach the peak of the Blood Purification Stage before even thinking about advancing," he murmured to himself.


    To do that, he needed to completely replace his normal blood with spiritual blood.


    Right now, only 1% of his blood had been transformed.


    To reach the peak of the stage?


    He needed to replace all of his blood.


    Only then could someone breaking through to the next stage.


    And that breakthrough would be even more dangerous.


    To step into the Meridian Awakened Stage, he had to open three lower meridians at the same time.


    and If he failed?


    He would lose those meridians forever, crippling his advancement unless he hunted for expensive healing pills.


    But five years.


    With his current abilities and some resources from the sect, it was possible.


    More than possible.


    But before he could continue thinking any further, the overwhelming stench of blood around him became too unbearable.


    With a sigh, he pushed aside all other thoughts and focused entirely on recovering.


    And so, the day passed.


    By the time the sun reached its peak, Yuan''s body had completely healed.


    The first thing he did was scan his inner body, ensuring that there were no hidden injuries or side effects from his breakthrough.


    Nothing.


    Everything was perfectly intact.


    His red aura and the Azure Basilisk Flame had already taken care of any lingering damage.


    That was unexpected.


    He had been prepared to deal with some kind of backlash from awakening his aura so early, perhaps a hidden flaw in his body or a disruption in his energy flow.


    But instead?


    It was as if his entire being had been reforged, with no lasting consequences.


    A fortune.


    But now wasn''t the time to be too pleased with himself.


    The stench of dried blood still clung to him, his robes soaked in crimson, making it impossible to ignore.


    He needed to change, but more than that


    He needed to become an Inner Sect Disciple.


    That was the next step.


    But more importantly?


    The Colorless Mind Demon Binding Poison. Emilia. And Old Man Viktor.


    Until now, he had been trapped within the School Pavilion, and the sect strictly forbade visitors during the training phase of high outer disciples.


    That meant no one had been able to meet him.


    Not even Emilia.


    And as for Old Man Viktor?


    He had no idea if the old man was even inside the sect or if he had left after delivering them.


    Which meant he needed information.


    But another pressing matter were the White Qi Chains around his soul.


    They were no longer a threat.


    If he wanted to, he could destroy them off instantly.


    But¡­


    If he did that, Emilia would immediately notice.


    She would know that their connection had been severed.


    And that raised another question.


    Had Emilia found a backer?


    Was she securing protection using the Old Man Viktor''s connections?


    Or was she still alone?


    Yuan needed answers.


    "Tsk." Yuan clicked his tongue in annoyance.


    He had no information.


    And that was frustrating.


    "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."


    That was one of the core principles Basilisk followed,one that allowed him to always move with certainty.


    And now?


    Yuan would follow that same principle.


    If he wanted to go against someone, he needed to understand everything about them first.


    But before that, he had to deal with his own advancement.


    His next stop was the Information Hall.


    They were responsible for handling requests and informing higher ranking members about promotions, including his advancement to an Inner Sect Disciple.


    His situation was quite good.


    As a high outer disciple, he didn''t need to undertake a mission to advance,he could simply walk in and request his promotion if he had the required cultivation stage.


    So, without wasting time, Yuan made his way toward the Information Hall Pavilion.


    After a short conversation and explaining his situation, including why he was covered in blood, the disciples in charge quickly arranged everything.


    The first thing they did was hand him a new set of robes,the green robes of an Inner Sect Disciple.


    Then, they updated his identification slate, officially changing his status.


    After a short Time, a man wearing a green robe, identical to Yuan''s new attire, stepped forward.


    The young man smiled at Yuan.


    "Hello, fellow disciple. Yuan, right?I''m a manager of the Information Hall for the outer disciples, and I''ve been ordered to escort you to the Inner Sect Area since you''ve now officially advanced.If my memory isn''t failing me, you joined the sect only three months ago, correct?That''s quite a short time, and yet you''ve already advanced to the Blood Purification Stage.That means you must have been at the peak of the Mortal Awakening Stage when you entered, right?Well, congratulations,on both your cultivation breakthrough and on becoming an Inner Sect Disciple!"


    He suddenly paused.


    "Ah! I didn''t introduce myself, did I? My name is Aqua!"


    The young man, Aqua, had an average appearance, with blue eyes and short black hair.


    And, as it seemed¡­


    He was very talkative.


    But Yuan simply played along, keeping a polite smile on his face.


    "Hello, fellow disciple Aqua. My name is Yuan! And I was simply lucky to advance so quickly,it was just a fortunate moment for me."


    Aqua chuckled, shaking his head.


    "Lucky, huh? Well, I suppose luck plays a role.But even so, to advance this fast¡­It''s still impressive.Even I only reached the Blood Purification Stage at fifteen, and now, at forty years old, I''m only at the peak of the stage.So while your speed is commendable, remember¡­Cultivation requires a heart of patience."


    Yuan nodded, thanking Aqua for his advice.


    The two of them then continued talking as they walked.


    Or rather¡­


    Aqua continued talking.


    Yuan mostly listened.


    Aqua spoke endlessly,about his years in the sect, about his senior brothers and sisters in the Inner Sect, about his work in the Information Hall, and much more.


    Mostly¡­


    He complained.


    About how unfair this and that was.


    About how much he wanted to just cultivate, but was always short on spirit essence stones.


    It was nothing particularly important.


    Yet, for Yuan, every bit of information was valuable.


    After all, no one had ever told him much about the Inner Sect.


    Until now, the only people he had ever spoken to were his two guides and his school teacher.


    Everything beyond what was a mystery for him.


    And so, Yuan listened carefully, filing away every detail Aqua shared.


    Three hours passed.


    The walk had been relaxed, but long.


    And finally¡­


    They arrived before the forbidden ground for Outer Sect Disciples.


    The Inner Sect Area.

 Cultivation techniques of the Library Hall

    In the outer sect area, the buildings were all quite similar, constructed on flat ground with none perched on mountains or near lakes,at least, that''s what the tall guide had explained during the tour of the outer disciple area.


    But the inner sect area was entirely different. Some pavilions stood atop small mountains, while others were nestled beside lakes, and some inner sect disciples didn''t even have traditional houses. Instead, they were granted cultivation caves within the mountains, allowing them to focus entirely on their cultivation without distractions.


    The only similarity to the outer sect area was the arrangement of pavilion halls. Unlike the outer sect, where they were scattered far apart, here, they were built much closer together. Aqua explained that in the inner sect, disciples often took on multiple responsibilities at once. It wasn''t uncommon for someone like him to work in the Information Hall while also tending to the Garden Hall. Because of this, the pavilions were centralized, making it easier for disciples to manage their various tasks.


    But that wasn''t the only difference. Like outer sect disciples, inner sect disciples also had missions to complete. However, while they received fewer missions, each one was significantly more difficult. These tasks required a solid cultivation base just to survive, making them far more dangerous than those assigned to outer sect disciples.


    Though the rewards were greater, the cost of resources, training, and cultivation necessities was also significantly higher.


    But that was it. Aqua didn''t mention anything else particularly relevant. Eventually, they arrived at one of the pavilion halls,the Library Hall.


    "So, fellow disciple Yuan, we are now standing before the Library Hall. As a new inner sect disciple, you have the right to choose one middle grade cultivation technique and two low grade cultivation techniques!" Aqua explained with a warm smile.


    Choosing cultivation techniques? Interesting.


    Yuan nodded at Aqua, thanking him for guiding him to the Library Hall. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and pushed open the doors.


    The Library Hall was vast, lined with countless bookshelves filled with neatly arranged scrolls and manuals. There were hundreds of them,perhaps even more. As Yuan scanned his surroundings, a voice suddenly echoed through the quiet hall.


    "Hello, junior. What brings you to the Library Hall?"


    Hearing the voice, Yuan immediately became alert, his sharp gaze sweeping the hall. Finally, his eyes landed on an old man seated in a wooden chair, a book resting lazily in his hands.


    The old man had long white hair, his face marked with deep wrinkles. He wore a black and white robe, his expression calm and indifferent, as though Yuan''s presence hardly interested him.


    How could I not have noticed him?


    As Yuan pondered this, his instincts sharpened. There were only two possibilities,either this old man was a sect elder or a powerful Bone Forging cultivator.


    Yuan couldn''t afford to waste any more time. Without hesitation, he saluted the old man respectfully.


    "Greetings, Senior! I, Yuan, have recently become an inner sect disciple and wish to choose my middle grade and two lower grade cultivation techniques."


    The old man nodded slightly, his sharp gaze remaining indifferent. "So, you''re a new inner sect disciple. That makes sense,I haven''t seen you here before. But aren''t the inner sect missions scheduled for a few months from now?"


    Yuan nodded in confirmation. "Yes, Senior, that is correct. The inner sect missions take place in five months. However, as I was a high outer disciple, I was allowed to become an inner sect disciple simply by advancing to the Blood Purification Stage."


    The old man nodded once more. "Makes sense. In any case, if you lied to me, you''d be dead by tomorrow. So, I hope you''re not foolish enough to deceive me just for the sake of a few low grade techniques."


    His voice carried no emotion, as if he were merely stating a fact rather than issuing a warning. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Since you claim to be a new inner sect disciple, you may choose your techniques. However, once you''ve made your selections, you must inform me of your choices. You have three hours,choose wisely."


    His tone remained indifferent, as though he were simply reciting predetermined words. But Yuan paid it no mind. He had only three hours, and his priority was finding a suitable attack technique that would complement his strengths.


    Without wasting another moment, he turned his attention to the shelves, his sharp eyes scanning the countless titles before him.


    Howling Gale Steps, Wind Cutter Slash, Gale Endurance Method, Echoing Wind Palm, Mist Veil Concealment, Roaring Tempest Fist, Whispering Wind Awareness, Rising Cyclone Kick, Cloud Drift Body Art, Howling Wind Breathing Technique, and many more,these were the best low grade cultivation techniques he found.


    But as he scanned through them, most were useless to him. Many techniques simply didn''t align with his current needs or future plans. After careful thought, two stood out,Howling Gale Steps and Wind Cutter Slash. Both fit his current requirements the most, providing mobility and a solid offensive option.


    With his choices made, he moved on to the middle grade techniques, searching for something more powerful. Two techniques immediately caught his attention,Raging Ember Tempest and Thunderclap Gale Strike.


    After some deliberation, he chose Thunderclap Gale Strike. It simply fit him better.


    In the end, he didn''t waste all three hours given to him. In just two, he had already made his decision. He could have spent more time searching for an even better technique, but sometimes power wasn''t everything. What mattered was efficiency and practicality.


    And so, without hesitation, he walked back to the black and white robed old man, bowed slightly, and saluted.


    "Senior, I have finished picking my cultivation techniques."


    The old man looked at Yuan, his black eyes flashing with a strange light as he observed him closely.


    "Hmm¡­ You chose three good ones."


    His voice was calm, yet carried a hint of approval.


    "The Wind Cutter Slash and Howling Gale Steps are very solid low grade cultivation techniques. The Wind Cutter Slash will establish a strong foundation for more powerful sword techniques, while the Howling Gale Steps are excellent for dodging and quick bursts of speed. However, be mindful,it has a flaw. When you use its rapid movement, your speed momentarily increases, but immediately afterward, your body slows down slightly. If you rely too much on that burst of speed, it could become a fatal weakness."


    He then nodded slightly before continuing.


    "As for the Thunderclap Gale Strike¡­ This is a very powerful technique. It stimulates your spiritual blood, forcing your muscles to move faster. However, the process is painful. If you push too far, you could damage your hands beyond healing. Be cautious when using it."


    With that, the old man waved his hand dismissively.


    "You may go now."


    Hearing the old man''s advice, Yuan began to understand something,this wasn''t just any old man. Despite his indifferent tone, he was someone who cared for juniors in his own way. A kind hearted old man who gave guidance.


    Yuan bowed deeply, showing genuine respect.


    "Thank you for the guidance, Senior."


    Then, without wasting another moment, he turned and left the Library Hall.


    But as Yuan stepped outside, the black and white robed elder watched him leave, a faint smile appearing on his face.


    "He could see me¡­ even when I was fully concealed."


    His voice was soft, almost amused.


    "A monster has arrived in the Howling Wind Sect¡­ Hehe."


    Only a low chuckle echoed through the library hall before the old man''s figure slowly faded away,vanishing into nothingness.


    But Yuan had no way of knowing any of this. Oblivious to the old man''s words, he simply walked forward, heading toward Aqua, who stood waiting for him outside the Library Hall.


    Seeing Yuan exit, Aqua smiled and asked, "Did you find suitable techniques?"


    Yuan nodded calmly, his expression indifferent. "I found a few good ones."


    Without saying more, they continued walking, this time toward a massive mountain. It towered so high that its peak was hidden within thick clouds,this was the Seventh Peak, the Most important territory of the Howling Wind Branch Sect within the Seven Peak Mist Mountain.


    Among all the peaks in the Seven Peak Mist Mountain region, the Seventh Peak was the third highest. It was here that everyone from the inner disciples to the Sect Head could reside. But not all floors were equal,each level of the mountain had a designated ranked territory


    The first three floors were for inner disciples.The fourth and fifth floors belonged to core disciples.The entire sixth floor was occupied by elders.The seventh and highest floor was reserved for the Grand Elders and the Sect Head.


    And now, Yuan had finally stepped into the Seventh Peak, officially taking his place among the inner disciples.


    His new residence was a normal cultivation cave,his very own place deep within the mountain, a secluded space meant for cultivators to refine their techniques and grow stronger.


    At this moment, Yuan had truly become part of the sect.


    He was no longer an outsider.

 Senior Brother Li Yun

    It''s been a week since Yuan became an inner sect disciple, and during this time, Aqua introduced him to many people, including members of the Wu Family and Li Family.


    As Yuan met the a member of the Li Family, he recalled the tournament from three months ago, where a participant also bore the surname Li. However, the person he met this time was not the same one. Instead, he was a middle aged man named Li Yun, and Aqua said he is 80 years old and at the peak of the Blood Purification Stage.


    During their conversation, Li Yun spoke about the new disciples who had recently joined the sect, mentioning the most talented juniors of the generation. Naturally, he named Alex and Krieger, both of whom had also become inner sect disciples. Unlike Yuan, however, they hadn''t attended the three month schooling phase, they directly advancing to the inner sect.


    It was rumored that Alex had taken Grand Elder Wu Bin as his master. However, ever since arriving at the sect, Alex had completely vanished from the public eye. No one had seen or heard of him since, leading some to jokingly call him dead.


    In contrast, Krieger had become a well known and respected figure within the sect. He had joined the Discipline Hall under Grand Elder Hei Jun''s direct order, proving his remarkable talent and discipline. Rumors spread that once Krieger reached the peak of the Blood Purification Stage, he would be given a Beginner Judge position,a position given to a select few. To even be considered for the Judge Hall was a huge honor, as only those personally chosen by Grand Elder Hei Jun could even dream of joining its ranks.


    But as Li Yun continued discussing the promising new recruits, he mentioned several talented individuals who, within the next decade, might have a chance to become inner sect disciples.


    Among those names, one caught Yuan''s attention


    Emilia.


    But Li Yun didn''t seem to care much for Emilia. To him, she wasn''t particularly extraordinary apart from her fast cultivation speed. He casually remarked that she would only become relevant to the sect once she successfully joined the inner disciple circles.


    Apart from himself, Alex, and Krieger, there was one more from their group who had managed to become an inner disciple,Kuang Hao.


    Hearing all this information, Yuan''s mind sharpened.


    Something didn''t feel right.


    Every single talented new disciple with the most potential had come from his group during the trial. That was strange. Too strange.


    It couldn''t be a coincidence. There must be a pattern,a suspicious one.


    Yuan decided that once he had the time, he would look deeper into this matter. But for now, he kept his thoughts to himself, not revealing even a hint of suspicion.


    At that moment, Li Yun smiled at him.


    "So, fellow disciple Yuan, I hope these pieces of information help you reunite with your friends."


    But Yuan simply nodded his head.


    "fellow disciple Li Yun, I should be thanking you. You''ve shared a great deal of valuable information with me! Since I was directly placed into the school pavilion, I had no time to meet anyone. Then, before I even had the chance, I was promoted to inner disciple. Because of that, I missed out on everything. Please, allow me to return this favor,tell me what I can do for you."


    Hearing this, Li Yun let out a soft sigh.


    "Fellow disciple Yuan, there''s no need to concern yourself over this. The information I''ve shared is common knowledge among the inner disciples. Even your situation is widely known throughout the sect.So, really, please,you don''t owe me anything. If you insist, I''ll only feel embarrassed to take a favor over something so trivial."


    Li Yun firmly rejected him.


    Yuan could only sigh before smiling and saying,


    "Then, Brother Yun, at least let me buy you a meal! If you reject even that, I fear I won''t be able to sleep peacefully tonight!"


    Yuan insisted on treating him to a meal, and Li Yun could only accept it. After all, his Junior had invited him,how could a Senior reject something like this?


    And so, the two of them walked toward the outer disciple area, where food was sold.


    In the inner sect area, there was no one selling food. Cultivators there rarely ate daily meals, as most of them sustained themselves with pills and only ate for special occasions or ceremonies. Because of this, there was no food business among the inner disciples.


    However, the outer sect disciples were different.


    Since they had lower cultivation realms, many of them still required normal food, so food stalls and restaurants existed only in the outer sect market.


    After an hour of walking, they finally arrived at the outer sect market, a bustling place where disciples of all levels outer, inner, and even core disciples could open their own stores. Many did, but the core disciples mostly specialized in selling rare materials, pills, and other high value goods rather than ordinary food.


    For Yuan, this was his first time stepping into the outer sect market. He turned toward Li Yun with curiosity.


    "Brother Yun, you''ve been in the sect far longer than me. Please lead the way,this is my first time here."


    Li Yun glanced at Yuan and suddenly had a look of realization.


    "Ah, yes! Brother Yuan never left the school pavilion, so this must be completely new to you. Then, for your first visit, we should eat at a place I loved when I was still an outer disciple."


    And so, Yuan followed him as they walked deeper into the market, engaged in casual conversation. Yuan mostly listened, while Li Yun did most of the talking,but that was fine.


    However, as they walked, their bright green inner sect robes immediately drew attention.


    The moment the outer sect disciples saw them, they bowed in respect.


    "Greetings, Seniors!"


    At first, only two disciples noticed them and bowed. But once the others saw the inner disciples walking together, more and more people paused what they were doing, stopping to lower their heads in greeting.


    Then, an older man, dressed in the plain green robes of the outer sect, quickly approached them.


    "Greetings, Seniors! What can I do for you? I am one of the outer sect guides assigned to assist inner sect disciples!" The older man spoke respectfully, lowering his head slightly.


    Li Yun gave him a casual nod.


    "We want to go to The Old Man''s Fresh Meat."


    However, at those words, the old guide suddenly froze.


    His expression stiffened, and for a brief moment, he seemed troubled.


    Li Yun raised a brow, perplexed by the reaction.


    After a short silence, the older man sighed before shaking his head.


    "Excuse me, Senior... but Old Man''s Fresh Meat no longer exists."


    "The owner,Old Man Hai,passed away twenty years ago."


    As Li Yun heard the news, he sighed.


    "So, he passed away, huh¡­ Well, I hope he enjoyed the life he lived. There''s nothing more to say about it. He was already old ,surviving this long is already a testament to his longevity."


    Li Yun himself was 80 years old, and he had mentioned that Old Man''s Fresh Meat had existed since his outer sect disciple days. That meant the old man had to be over 100 years old before passing away. Surviving that long was already a miracle from the heavens,a rare lifespan for a mortal awakaned stage.


    With another sigh, Li Yun turned back to the guide.


    "Haa¡­ then, can you recommend a good place to eat? My brother here wanted to treat me to a meal."


    The old guide nodded immediately and pointed toward a street nearby.


    "Yes, Senior! Just around the corner, there is a restaurant with excellent meat dishes. It became well known among disciples,it''s called Breezy Meat Restaurant."


    Li Yun gave a nod of acknowledgment. "Good. We''ll go there."


    And so, the two of them walked toward the Breezy Meat Restaurant.


    The moment they stepped inside, the restaurant owner, who had been standing behind the counter, instinctively turned toward the entrance.


    The moment he saw their inner disciple robes, his eyes lit up with excitement. Without hesitation, he hurried over to them, bowing deeply as he welcomed them with great enthusiasm.


    "Greetings, Seniors! I must thank you for honoring this humble one''s establishment!" His voice was eager, but respectful.


    "Please, allow me to guide you to the second floor, where you can enjoy your meal without disturbance."


    Seeing his enthusiasm, both Yuan and Li Yun simply nodded. Without another word, the restaurant owner personally led them upstairs.


    The second floor was noticeably better than the first. There were three private rooms, ensuring privacy for those who dined there. The owner gestured for them to enter the first room, and they stepped inside.


    Though the restaurant itself wasn''t extravagant, it had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The aroma of cooked meat drifted through the air, adding to the warm ambiance.


    Yuan took a moment to take in the surroundings, and a strange sense of familiarity washed over him.


    Li Yun, who had been observing him, noticed his reaction and let out a chuckle.


    "Oh? Brother Yuan, have you taken a liking to this restaurant?" he asked with a teasing smile.


    Yuan nodded his head slightly.


    "Yes. It reminds me of home."


    Indeed, everything about this place,the wooden interior, the aged furniture, the simple decorations,it all felt eerily similar to his grandfather''s home in the Illusion Forest.


    However, as memories of his past surfaced, Yuan''s mood slightly shifted. He quickly pushed those thoughts aside.


    At that moment, the restaurant owner returned, holding a beautifully crafted teapot in his hands.


    "Seniors, please try my family''s special spiritual tea!" he said with a proud smile.


    "This tea has been passed down through my family for generations. I hope you will find it to your liking!"


    The owner carefully placed the teapot and two cups on the table, then gracefully poured the steaming tea for them.


    The moment the fragrant aroma reached Yuan''s nose, he immediately noticed the difference.


    This wasn''t like the ordinary tea he had drunk at Old Man Viktor''s house,no, this was something far superior.


    It had an undeniable richness, yet it carried a soothing quality that seemed to calm the mind with just its scent alone.


    A faint smile appeared on Yuan''s lips as he lifted the cup closer to his nose, inhaling deeply.


    And then


    For the first time in a long while, his mind cleared completely.


    All the chaos, all the calculations, all the plans that constantly ran through his thoughts,they all faded away.


    His heart calmed, his breathing slowed, and for once, he allowed himself to simply exist in the present moment.


    Unbeknownst to him, a subtle change occurred within his azure black eyes. The faint azure hue that often shimmered in his irises dimmed slightly.


    However, Yuan remained completely unaware of this shift.


    Without further hesitation, he finally took a sip.


    A smooth warmth spread through his body as the tea coursed down his throat.


    "Good tea."


    His simple praise was enough to make the restaurant owner beam with joy.


    The man quickly bowed his head, his eyes shining with gratitude.


    "Thank you, Senior! I am honored that you enjoy it!" Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Yuan said nothing more.


    As the warmth of the tea settled in his body, his entire being entered a peculiar state,a state where his mind and soul felt perfectly aligned.


    Li Yun, who had been quietly watching him, immediately recognized what was happening.


    "He''s entering a state of enlightenment¡­!"


    His heart clenched with a mix of awe and envy.


    After all, achieving enlightenment was something that most cultivators could only dream of.


    Even for those with great talent, experiencing a single moment of enlightenment in their entire lifetime was already considered a blessing from the heavens.


    Yet, Yuan,who had only just advanced to the Blood Purification Stage,had fallen into this state naturally, all because of a simple cup of tea.


    Li Yun couldn''t help but feel a pang of jealousy.


    But at the same time, he understood one thing clearly


    After this night, he must become a true brother to Yuan.


    And so, he said nothing more.


    Instead, he simply ate his meal, drank his tea, and allowed Yuan to enjoy his moment of silent enlightenment.


    After finishing their meal, Yuan''s mind gradually returned to clarity. Realizing what had just transpired, he smiled at Li Yun.


    "Brother Yun, I must thank you."


    But Li Yun only chuckled.


    "Hehehe, what is there to thank me for? If anything, I should be the one thanking Brother Yuan. Witnessing an enlightenment firsthand gave me some inspiration,I believe that with a few years of preparation, I might finally be able to advance to the Meridian Awakened Stage!"


    Hearing this, both of them laughed heartily at their current situation.


    If Li Yun had spoken even once or allowed the owner to interrupt, Yuan would have likely broken out of his enlightenment prematurely. Yet, because of Li Yun''s silent patience, Yuan was able to fully immerse himself in that moment of realization. In return, Yuan''s enlightenment had, in turn, given Li Yun a much needed spark of insight.


    This was a fortunate exchange for both of them.


    Seeing that the meal had come to an end, Yuan prepared to pay for it. However, Li Yun immediately insisted that he would cover the cost instead.


    But before Li Yun could protest further, Yuan simply waved his hand dismissively and had already walked out of the room.


    As he stepped downstairs, Yuan''s gaze fell upon the restaurant owner, and recognition struck him.


    During his enlightenment, a memory resurfaced,the owner of this restaurant was none other than Daoist Pressuring Books, the disciple who had faced Alex in the first round of the tournament.


    A knowing smile crept onto Yuan''s lips.


    "Hello, Junior Pressuring Books. It''s been a while."


    Pressuring Books, standing behind the counter, looked at him with clear confusion.


    "Ahh... Senior, do we know each other?"


    Yuan chuckled, amused by the man''s obvious act of ignorance.


    "Hehehe, of course, we do. We joined the sect together, after all."


    Seeing that Pressuring Books still looked unsure, Yuan''s expression grew calm as he spoke in a measured tone.


    "Say, Junior Pressuring Books¡­ do you wish to work under me?"


    The young man''s eyes widened slightly, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected offer. He stood there, momentarily speechless, his mind scrambling to process what was happening.


    "Ahhh¡­ Yes?" he finally blurted out, sounding more like a question than a proper answer.


    Yuan''s smile deepened.


    "Good. Then I will return tomorrow around this time. Close the restaurant when I arrive."


    Without waiting for another response, Yuan casually placed five merit coins on the counter in front of Pressuring Books.


    "Li Yun, I''ve paid," he called out, signaling that it was time to leave.


    Moments later, Li Yun descended from the second floor, nodding in acknowledgment.


    And just like that, the two of them left Breezy Meat Restaurant, disappearing into the bustling streets of the Outer Sect Market.

 Ming Ze′s Story

    After walking back to his cultivation cave with Li Yun, the two conversed about the latest happenings within the sect. Along the way, Li Yun casually mentioned that a lucrative mission would soon be posted, offering a generous number of merit points. He suggested that Yuan consider taking it, as such opportunities were rare.


    Curious, Yuan asked for more details.


    Li Yun explained that a powerful, fully grown demonic beast had appeared near one of the sect''s villages, preying on mortals. Initially, the mission was classified as suitable for outer disciples, but after several failed attempts that resulted in their deaths, the mission hall reevaluated its difficulty. After two more unsuccessful attempts, they officially upgraded the mission to an inner sect-level assignment.


    Hearing this, Yuan frowned slightly. "Why should I take such a risky mission?" he asked.


    Li Yun simply laughed and replied, "Isn''t this the perfect moment to test one''s strength after experiencing enlightenment?"


    Before Yuan could respond, they arrived at his cultivation cave. Li Yun waved him off with a smile, reminding him to think it over, as the mission would become public in three days. Without waiting for an answer, he departed, leaving Yuan alone in his cave.


    Sitting cross-legged on his bed, Yuan closed his eyes in meditation, contemplating the mission.


    Although it is dangerous, it''s not beyond my capability. Li Yun did mention the rewards were good¡­ should I give it a try?


    After all, I only have a hundred merit points left,the merit points the sect granted me upon becoming an inner disciple. That''s barely enough to buy anything useful. If I make a single purchase, I''ll be left penniless, without a single merit point to my name¡­


    He let out a quiet sigh, then pushed the thought aside. There was no need to rush his decision. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Instead, he focused on mastering the Wind Cutter Slash and Howling Gale Steps techniques.


    In just one week, Yuan had already grasped the foundation of both techniques. The Wind Cutter Slash is a basic yet practical sword technique, especially useful in long battles. Its essence lies in making the spiritual blood in the fingertips and wrists lighter and more agile, allowing for smoother and faster sword movements. While not overly complex, its efficiency makes it an excellent tool for conserving energy during extended combat.


    On the other hand, the Howling Gale Steps is a more costly technique in terms of spiritual essence. At its core, it works by accelerating blood flow in the legs, enhancing foot speed and agility,a common effect in many step techniques. However, what sets Howling Gale Steps apart is its momentary burst effect, which grants an explosive speed boost for an instant. This makes it incredibly useful for dodging fatal attacks or closing the distance between opponents in the blink of an eye.


    Yet, this powerful move comes with a significant flaw. The sudden acceleration consumes a huge amount of spiritual essence, meaning that one can only use it twice before completely exhausting their reserves. This limitation requires careful timing and precision, as relying too much on the technique would leave a cultivator vulnerable.


    Although Yuan had successfully mastered the Wind Cutter Slash, the Howling Gale Steps still needed refinement. The momentary burst is difficult to control; it is easy to misjudge the speed and end up in an unfavorable position. Mastering this aspect requires not just practice, but also a deep understanding of one''s body coordination.


    Still, with his red regenerative aura passively restoring his stamina and his spiritual blood replenishing throughout the day, Yuan could afford to push himself further. He had time to practice and perfect the technique.


    And so, the night passed, the sun rose, and the day continued as Yuan remained focused on mastering the Howling Gale Steps. He practiced relentlessly, refining each movement until the time finally came.


    Standing up, he opened the door to his cultivation cave and stepped outside, breathing in the fresh mountain air. Without wasting any more time, he began making his way toward the Outer Sect Market, occasionally glancing up at the sky to observe the drifting clouds.


    After thirty minutes, he arrived at the bustling Outer Sect, where disciples moved about,some talking, others diligently working. But Yuan paid them no mind. His destination was the Breezy Meat Restaurant.


    A few outer disciples noticed him and instinctively bowed in greeting upon seeing his inner sect robes, but Yuan ignored them completely. He had no interest in their respect or flattery, though caution always remained in his mind.


    Even though he currently had no known enemies, there was always the possibility that hidden threats existed,people who might be watching, waiting for him to lower his guard before striking. Because of this, he didn''t walk directly to the restaurant; instead, he took a detour.


    Once he was sure nothing seemed out of place, he activated the momentary burst of the Howling Gale Steps and dashed forward, his body moving with incredible speed.


    Even though he hadn''t fully mastered the technique yet, his movement was smoother than before. The only downside was that he still wasted too much spiritual essence in the process, but that was the cost until he achieved complete mastery.


    Arriving at his destination, Yuan noticed that the Breezy Meat Restaurant was closed,Pressuring Books had taken his words seriously.


    A low chuckle escaped Yuan''s lips as he stepped inside. There, standing in the dimly lit space, was Pressuring Books. He wore the usual bright green robes of an outer disciple, his brown hair slightly unkempt and his brown eyes filled with hesitation.


    Yuan wasted no time. "Hello, Junior Pressuring Books. So, have you made your decision?"


    Pressuring Books hesitated, his expression filled with uncertainty. His fingers curled into a loose fist as he struggled with his thoughts.


    After a brief moment, he finally nodded and said, "I¡­ I think I will work under you."


    His voice was uncertain, but the decision was made.


    Yuan nodded and let out a chuckle. "Okay, so you want to work under me without even knowing what you''ll be doing? Well, that''s something I didn''t expect."


    Pressuring Books looked stunned. "So¡­ what exactly will we do?"


    "What we will do?" Yuan repeated, tilting his head slightly, a bright smile curving his lips. "Well, that''s simple. Really simple."


    Then, before Pressuring Books could press further, Yuan continued, "But before we get into all that, let''s talk about you first. Who are you, Pressuring Books?"


    Pressuring Books froze, a flicker of fear flashing in his eyes. "Who¡­ I am?" His voice wavered, as if he were unsure how to respond.


    Yuan chuckled softly. "Yes, who are you? Where do you come from? Tell me about your life. Let me understand who the person standing before me truly is."


    Pressuring Books looked even more uneasy. "Who is before you? Wh-what a weird question¡­ Why do you want to know?"


    Yuan''s gaze remained steady, his smile unwavering. "Well, I liked your spiritual tea. So, I was curious about how your family managed to produce such good tea."


    "Good tea? You¡­ You''re asking me just because of the tea?" Pressuring Books''s confusion deepened.


    Yuan could barely contain his amusement at the way Pressuring Books reacted,always so fearful and unsure.


    "Yes, why not? I like tea. Don''t you want to tell me?" Yuan pressed.


    At that, Pressuring Books''s expression twisted into something grim. Panic flared within him,what if refusing to answer meant he''d be killed right here and now?!


    "?hmm, it''s nothing really fancy¡­ It''s just that my mother''s family has been active in the tea market for a long time, and I only learned how to make our family''s tea from my mother."


    Oh? So it was his mother, not his entire family. He didn''t mention ''family,'' which likely hinted at some underlying issue.


    "Oh! So your mother made tea! Now I want to know even more about you!" Yuan said hastily, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.


    Pressuring Books,who, in truth was named Ming Ze,felt the pressure around him grow heavier. He had built up the notion that Yuan was demanding his life story, and under that self imposed pressure, he finally gave in and began to recount his past.


    Ming Ze explained that he was an illegitimate child of a noble family under the Wu Family''s influence. Because of his status, he faced heavy discrimination. Everyone on his father''s side despised him, wanting nothing more than to discard him like garbage. However, no one dared to outright cast him out or kill him because of a law enforced by the Wu Kingdom itself.


    The head of the current Wu Family was also an illegitimate child, so the Wu Family took such matters very seriously. A new law had even been established, stating that every noble-born child must receive a noble title. If any noble failed to uphold this right, their family would come under direct inspection by the Wu Kingdom.


    Thus, even though the Ming Family despised him, they had no choice but to acknowledge his noble status. However, his mother was not afforded the same protection. She had married into the Ming Family and was given the noble title of Ming, but the family refused to help her in any way. She was treated as an outsider, an unwanted person.


    Yet his mother did not break under that treatment. She still had her own family,respected tea merchants. More importantly, his grandfather was a Meridian Awakened cultivator, giving him some influence and power. Although not strong enough to seize a noble title, as he was too old, he was at least powerful enough to protect his family from external threats.


    The tea business flourished, and with the wealth they accumulated, his mother even managed to advance to the Blood Purification Stage. Meanwhile, the next head of their family was nearing a breakthrough to the Meridian Awakened Stage. Once that happened, they would be eligible for a baron title under the Wu Kingdom.


    However, as they neared success, the Ming Family grew displeased and so they began to scheme against them.


    At that time, Ming Ze was ten years old and lived alone with his mother in a small mansion belonging to the Ming Family. Unlike the main branch of the family, their household had very few servants. During this period, Ming Ze mentioned that he awakened his second sense.


    But when he turned eleven, his mother''s family began to decline rapidly, without any clear reason. Though he didn''t understand much about politics or scheming at the time, even his young mind could sense that something was wrong. So instead of worrying about matters beyond his control, he focused on cultivation.


    Then, when he was twelve years old, something catastrophic happened.


    One day, as he was quietly cultivating in his manor, his entire maternal family was wiped out. Every single member, including his mother, was killed.


    Hearing this, Yuan had already predicted how the story would unfold.


    "Then after that, I missed my mother very much¡­ so much that I stopped cultivating altogether," Ming Ze continued quietly. "All I wanted was to make the tea she loved. But no matter how many times I tried, no matter how carefully I followed the process, it never tasted the same as her tea."


    His fingers trembled slightly as he clenched his hands.


    "I threw myself into learning how to make tea, into learning how to cook¡­ but then, one day, my father''s servant arrived. He told me that in a year, I would be sent to the Howling Wind Sect and that I should prepare myself."


    "But I hadn''t cultivated at all." His lips twisted into a bitter smile. "I was too heartbroken over my mother''s death. I couldn''t bring myself to care."


    "Although I didn''t care, my father''s family did,they didn''t want to be known as a noble family that couldn''t even produce a direct member to join a sect, so they paid my allowance to join the sect. And that''s how I ended up here, doing whatever I could to survive as an outer disciple and earn enough money to get by."


    Ming Ze ended his story before reaching the sect. Yuan, who had been silently listening, was somewhat surprised,not by his tragic past, but by the fact that Ming Ze had managed to cultivate to the Third Awakening by the time he was twelve years old.


    And yet¡­


    He hadn''t cultivated at all for two whole years.


    But Yuan was okay with that; Ming Ze had talent.


    Yuan smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his expression. "Ming Ze, let me tell you this: if you work for me earnestly, I will give you a chance for revenge. How does that sound?"


    Ming Ze looked at Yuan in confusion.


    "Revenge¡­?" he muttered, as if the word itself were foreign to him. He had never dared to consider such a thing before.


    But now, an inner disciple of the Howling Wind Sect was offering him a path toward it. Was it really possible¡­?


    Hope flickered in his eyes,this time, they were filled not with hesitation or fear, but with determination.


    "Okay! If you can give me revenge, I will give my all to work for you!" His voice was firm, carrying a newfound conviction.


    Yuan chuckled at Ming Ze''s reaction; this was truly unexpected. Initially, he had only planned to make him a temporary worker until he could find someone more capable to handle his affairs. His original goal was to gather information, create a hidden faction among the inner and core disciples, and build his power base until he was strong enough to challenge the sect.


    But now¡­ things had changed.


    If he helped Ming Ze get revenge, he wouldn''t just gain a temporary subordinate,he would gain a loyal servant willing to die for him. And if he nurtured him properly, Ming Ze might even become a powerful asset in the future.


    This was an unexpected gain, one that Yuan welcomed dearly.


    Yuan smiled at Ming Ze and spoke in a calm yet commanding tone. "Congratulations, Brother Ze. From today onwards, I will help you with your revenge, and you will help me with the work I assign to you!"


    His voice grew sharper. "From this moment forward, your task is to collect all kinds of information about the new talents in the outer sect area and any other special information you come across! This will be a great help!"


    With that, the first piece of the puzzle was in place. Now, he could begin with his plan.

 Thoughs about the future

    Now that Ming Ze had officially become his subordinate, Yuan began implementing a few changes. First and foremost, he planned to transform Breezy Meat Restaurant into Breezy Tea House. The reason was simple,Ming Ze''s tea was far superior to the food. After all, his tea was potent enough to induce enlightenment, something that even high-level cultivators would covet.


    However, shifting to a tea house meant higher costs. Tea was not a common commodity; it was a luxury item. While they could sell ordinary tea at a lower price, this was a cultivation sect,only spiritual tea held real value. The good news was that there were no existing businesses in the entire Howling Wind Branch Sect that specialized in spiritual tea. That meant Yuan had found an untapped market.


    Though he had already considered this plan before, the issue remained,his 100 merit points were simply too little to start such a business. So, Yuan decided that he would first complete sect missions to accumulate enough merit points before slowly building a profitable tea business. His primary target customers would be inner sect and core sect disciples, as they would willingly pay for high-quality spiritual tea to calm their minds and enhance their focus for cultivation.


    Once the business became stable, Yuan would begin investing in Ming Ze''s cultivation resources, ensuring that his subordinate could advance to the Inner Sect and, eventually, the Core Sect. By that time, Yuan himself would remain low key as an Inner Sect disciple, quietly taking a share of the cultivation resources that Ming Ze earned.


    Reaching the Peak of the Meridian Awakened StagePlunder the entire Seven Peak Mist Mountain''s resourcesUse those resources to break through to the Bone Forging StageLeave the Howling Wind Sect and enter another Human Domain


    This was his hundred year plan. If it took any longer than that, it would mean failure. Yuan had calculated his ideal growth rate, and by the age of 120, he planned to reach the Marrow Essence Stage. If he failed, he might only reach that stage by 180, an unacceptable waste of time.


    Wasting 50 extra years just to reach the Marrow Essence Stage would completely derail his ambitions. Time was the most valuable resource in cultivation, and he had no intention of squandering it.


    If anyone had heard Yuan''s ambitious goal of reaching the Marrow Essence Stage before the age of 150, they would have called him insane. In the cultivation world, reaching the Marrow Essence Stage by 150 or 180 years old was already considered the mark of a genius, provided one cultivated diligently.


    But 120 years old? That was a feat only achieved by the most elite geniuses of the highest-ranking sects and clans. Even within those powerful forces, reaching the Marrow Essence Stage at 120 was extremely rare, reserved for monsters of cultivation,the kind that would one day shake the world.


    Yet, for Yuan, it was not just a goal,it was a necessity.


    As these thoughts settled in his mind, Yuan found himself already seated on his bed in his cultivation cave. His gaze sharpened with determination as he muttered to himself,


    "I should take the mission."


    He clenched his fist slightly.


    "I need merit points. Without them, nothing will move forward. If I take this mission, I can also roam around a bit. There''s no reason to refuse it."


    Yuan slowly pulled up the sleeve of his robe, revealing a wooden stick, its surface engraved with simple, yet intricate runes.


    This was the hidden weapon he had crafted against Old Man Viktor. A one time-use artifact designed to temporarily let him harness the surrounding spiritual essence, storing it within the wooden stick before releasing a powerful blast, launching him out of an enemy''s attack range.


    Had he truly fought against Old Man Viktor, this would have been his trump card,a tool to create distance, then follow up with a surprise counterattack using the Azure Basilisk Flames.


    It was something he had painstakingly crafted before leaving the Barony of Icen.


    Yet now... it was useless.


    "In the end, he just poisoned me," Yuan muttered, his tone tinged with frustration.


    A weapon that was never used, a plan that never came to fruition.


    This wooden stick,his escape route, his countermeasure, his safety net,was now nothing more than a useless tool collecting dust in his possession.


    Perhaps he could sell it for ten merit points, but even that was too little to be worth the effort.


    Instead, it would simply stay in his cave, forgotten.


    Yuan let out a deep sigh, his fingers tracing the runes on the wooden stick.


    "Haa..."


    An entire week of work.A carefully thought-out plan.And yet, in the end, it was never needed.


    A sad fate for a tool that was meant to save his life.


    Though he could modify it, upgrade its runes, and make it more complex, what was the point?


    For the current him, it had no real use.


    But with that final thought about the wooden stick artifact, Yuan set aside his musings and focused entirely on mastering the Howling Gale Steps. His determination paid off, and by the time the next day arrived, he had finally perfected the movement technique.


    Today was the day of the mission that Li Yun had recommended to him.


    Rising early, Yuan made his way toward the Mission Hall, arriving before most inner disciples. As he stepped into the building, the hall was relatively quiet, with only a handful of cultivators moving about.


    Walking up to the mission desk, he found himself face-to-face with a female outer disciple receptionist. She had an ordinary appearance, her expression neutral as she handled her tasks.


    Yuan greeted her with a polite smile."Hello, Junior. I''m here under the recommendation of Senior Brother Yun. He mentioned that a new mission would be posted today for inner disciples,one that was originally classified as an outer disciple mission."


    Upon hearing his request, the receptionist''s eyes widened slightly in surprise.


    After all, everyone in the Mission Hall knew how dangerous this particular mission was.


    Still, she didn''t say anything to dissuade him. Instead, she simply nodded and replied,"Yes, Senior is correct. I know which mission you''re referring to. Please give me a moment,I''ll retrieve the full mission details for you."


    With that, she disappeared into the back room, leaving Yuan to wait.


    It only took five minutes before she returned, holding a stack of mission description papers. Handing them over to Yuan, she spoke professionally,


    "Please review the mission details first, Senior. Once you''ve read them, return to me, and I will register your name as the accepted participant."


    Yuan nodded, taking the papers from her hands before making his way toward a nearby set of chairs. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Settling into his seat, he began to read through the mission details carefully.


    Mission Details


    Mission: Eliminate the unknown demonic beast in the Thirty Mist Plants Forest


    Mission Grade: Unknown


    Mission Reward: 1,000 Merit Points


    Mission Description:


    A powerful demonic beast has been attacking one of the villages near the Thirty Mist Plants Forest.The creature has killed 20% of the village''s population and has already taken the lives of multiple sect disciples.


    Five unofficial outer disciples (Second to Third Mortal Awakening Stage) were slain.Three official outer disciples (Peak Mortal Awakening Stage) were also killed.


    The cause of death of the disciples is unknown, as their bodies were found torn apart, but no clear battle traces were left.


    The demonic beast resides within the Dorn Plant Region of the Thirty Mist Plants Forest.The only confirmed information about the creature is that it has a snake-like form and is believed to be fully matured.


    As Yuan''s eyes skimmed over the final line, his brows furrowed slightly.


    "...A snake like beast?"


    He tapped the edge of the mission papers with his finger, his thoughts already running deep.


    Missions typically had clear difficulty classifications.The fact that this mission lacked one meant that the sect was uncertain about its true danger level.


    Losing eight disciples in total was not a minor issue.The fact that even peak Mortal Awakening Stage cultivators were killed indicated that this beast was far above that level.


    Unclear Battle Traces


    This was the most concerning factor.If the bodies were shredded apart but with no clear battle marks, then... was this beast capable of killing swiftly, leaving no chance to fight back?


    Yuan had seen countless snakes in Basilisk''s memories, and there were various types of demonic serpents.Some were poisonous, others had incredible strength, and some could manipulate spiritual essence.The fact that the sect knew nothing about this beast aside from its shape made it even more suspicious.


    As Yuan absorbed all this information, a small smirk played at his lips.


    "Interesting..."


    With a decisive nod, Yuan stood up, the mission papers still in hand.


    With 1,000 merit points, Yuan could at least make a few initial purchases to start the tea house. However, he estimated that he would need at least 2,500 merit points to properly establish the business. For now, though, that plan would have to wait.


    Setting aside those thoughts, Yuan stood up and walked back to the mission desk. Handing the mission papers to the female receptionist, he spoke firmly,


    "I will accept the mission."


    The receptionist''s expression stiffened for a moment. An unknown mission?


    For most disciples, this would be an obvious risk to avoid, yet here was someone taking it without hesitation.


    Still, she maintained her professional demeanor and simply smiled.


    "Understood, Senior. Please provide your identification slate."


    Yuan retrieved the slate from his sleeve and placed it on the counter. The receptionist took it and quickly registered his name for the mission, her hands moving with practiced efficiency. After a brief moment, she returned the slate to him.


    Along with it, she handed over a permission slip,a required document allowing him to leave the sect for the mission.


    Yuan glanced at the permission slip, scanning its contents. It simply granted him authorization to leave the sect for one month,nothing more, nothing less. With that confirmation, he put it away and headed back to his cultivation cave.


    Once inside, he sat cross-legged on his bed, deciding that he would rest for a full day before departing for the Thirty Mist Plants Forest.


    The Next Day


    As the sun rose once again, Yuan awoke, feeling refreshed. Without wasting time, he gathered enough food pills to sustain himself for the entire month. Since the sect had already permitted him to leave for such a duration, he made sure to prepare accordingly.


    His next destination was Li Yun''s cave, located on the third floor of the sect''s mountain. However, upon arrival, he learned that Li Yun was currently in seclusion, making a meeting impossible.


    Shrugging it off, Yuan then headed toward the Outer Disciple Market, where Ming Ze was stationed. Since Ming Ze was now working under him, Yuan decided it was only right to inform him of his departure.


    Upon seeing Yuan, Ming Ze greeted him and listened carefully to his announcement.


    Hearing that Yuan would be leaving for a mission, Ming Ze simply nodded and said,


    "I wish you success, Senior Yuan. Return safely."


    With that, Yuan left the Outer Disciple Market and made his way toward the southern gate of the Howling Wind Sect.


    The Thirty Mist Plants Forest was located in the southern region, making the south gate his natural exit.


    Upon arriving, Yuan was stopped by two outer disciple guards, who requested to see his leave permission. He handed them the document, and after a brief inspection, they stepped aside, granting him passage.


    For the first time, Yuan stepped outside the sect''s walls, finally witnessing how the sect looked from the outside.


    Although a large wall surrounded the sect, the towering mountain of the Howling Wind Sect remained visible, standing as an unshakable landmark in the vast landscape. Everything beyond the walls, however, remained obscured from view.


    But Yuan didn''t linger, nor did he waste time marveling at the scenery.


    Instead, he set off toward the Thirty Mist Plants Forest, his destination clear,to hunt down the unknown demonic beast.

 Arriving to the Village

    Walking along the stone path for several days, Yuan finally arrived at the village near the Thirty Mist Plants Forest. From his position, he could already see the outskirts of the forest, its towering trees casting dark shadows over the ruined settlement.


    The village itself was in terrible condition. Half of it looked like a ruin, while the other half was outright destroyed,only a few buildings remained standing.


    The demonic beast''s attack must have been truly devastating.


    But then, a question arose in Yuan''s mind.


    If the monster was strong enough to destroy nearly the entire village, how did anyone even survive?


    Something didn''t quite add up. If the demonic beast had the strength to wipe out structures, it should have easily been able to kill every single person here.


    Was there something else at play?


    Suppressing his curiosity for now, Yuan continued forward, closing the distance between himself and the ruined village. Soon, he was just about a kilometer away from the shattered village gate.


    Standing at the entrance were two armored men.


    Both were clad in heavily damaged armor, their chest plates and shoulder guards cracked and broken, revealing the worn fabric underneath. Each had a sword strapped to their hip, but the weapons seemed well-used and poorly maintained.


    They had already noticed Yuan''s approach. Their gazes locked onto him, cautious yet hopeful,but the moment they saw the bright green robe he wore, their expressions shifted.


    This robe signified his identity.


    At the very least, they hoped it did.


    As Yuan approached within ten meters, one of the armored men stepped forward and, despite his nervousness, spoke in a voice that attempted to sound authoritative:


    "Stop! Please state your business in our Woodcraft Village!"


    Woodcraft Village, huh? Yuan mused.


    That confirmed he was in the right place.


    With a composed smile, he responded, "Hello, I am an inner disciple of the Howling Wind Sect, sent under the sect''s orders to eliminate the demonic beast. Can you guide me to your village elder?"


    The armored man''s eyes widened in shock upon hearing that Yuan was an inner disciple of the sect.


    The last time the Howling Wind Sect sent their noble disciples, they had only been outer disciples. And now, an inner sect disciple had arrived,did this mean he was an even higher ranked noble cultivator?


    The armored guard knew little about cultivation, but one thing was clear,this person standing before him was far above his status.


    Without hesitation, the man bowed deeply, his voice filled with exaggerated reverence:


    "Oh, noble sir from the Howling Wind Sect! Please excuse this foolish one for questioning you! I beg for your forgiveness!"


    Seeing his partner bowing, the other guard followed suit, lowering his head hastily.


    "Please spare my foolish partner as well, noble sir!"


    Yuan, of course, saw right through their forced display of submission.


    Who wouldn''t?


    But instead of calling them out, he simply chuckled, his tone lighthearted as he addressed them.


    "What is there to apologize for? You were simply doing your duty,ensuring the safety of your village. In fact, I commend you for your commitment to your task as gate guards!"


    Hearing these unexpected words of praise, the armored man became visibly flustered, his previous nervousness shifting into genuine respect.


    Straightening his posture, he quickly nodded and said, "Then, noble sir, please follow me. The elder will surely welcome you warmly!"


    With that, the guards turned toward the village, leading Yuan inside.


    Yuan nodded his head and smiled brightly, following behind the armored guard as he led the way.


    However, as they walked deeper into the village, Yuan truly saw the extent of the devastation.


    Every house was damaged. Not a single one was left untouched.


    The sight made him sigh loudly, his expression darkening as anger began to simmer within him.


    "How terrible," Yuan whispered under his breath, turning his gaze away from the destruction, unwilling to look any longer.


    His reaction didn''t go unnoticed.


    The armored guard glanced at him from the corner of his eye, watching the shift in Yuan''s expression. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was unexpected.


    The last time a noble disciple from the sect came, they didn''t care about the village''s suffering. They simply asked about the demonic beast''s location after meeting the elder, without sparing so much as a second glance at the destruction.


    But this disciple¡­ he looked angry. He looked sad.


    Seeing that, the guard couldn''t help but smile behind his broken helmet.


    At least someone from the sect cares.


    The two didn''t take long to reach the elder''s house¡ªthough, calling it a house would have been generous.


    It was nothing more than a large white tent, hastily set up in place of a destroyed home.


    Along the way, they passed by several villagers, each one looking haunted by the attack.


    Even though it had been months ago, the fear was still fresh in their eyes, as if they were still living in their nightmare.


    There''s something strange about this.


    That thought lingered in Yuan''s mind, making his sharp eyes narrow.


    His caution heightened, his senses becoming more alert.


    The village¡­ the situation¡­ something was off.


    Something wasn''t right.


    The armored guard stood before the white tent, cleared his throat, and called out loudly:


    "Elder Rein, please allow us to enter! A noble sir from the Howling Wind Sect has arrived to slay the demonic beast!"


    A gruff, irritated voice snapped back from inside the tent.


    "Brat! Who gave you permission to shout outside my tent?!"


    The armored guard flinched, his tone becoming more respectful.


    "My apologies, Elder Rein. It is me. Please allow us to enter."


    A short silence followed before the same angry voice grumbled again.


    "Tsk! Fine, fine! You''ve already disturbed me, so come in already!"


    With that, the armored guard lifted the tent flap and stepped inside, with Yuan following close behind.


    Inside the Elder''s Tent


    Yuan glanced around the interior, taking in the surroundings.


    The tent was simple yet cluttered. A wooden table stood in the center, surrounded by a few old chairs. Nearby, there was a small bed, and all around the tent, books and scrolls were scattered messily, piled haphazardly on the floor.


    At the far end, seated on a creaky wicker chair, was an elderly man with graying hair and sharp eyes, his face scrunched into a permanent scowl.


    He glared at the armored guard before speaking, his tone still carrying no trace of politeness.


    "Brat, what do you want this time?"


    The armored guard quickly straightened his posture and reported.


    "Elder, a noble sir from the Howling Wind Sect has arrived today. He has taken the mission to slay the demonic beast that has tormented us for months!"


    The elder''s thick brows lifted slightly, only now noticing Yuan''s presence.


    His scowl softened, and he cleared his throat lightly, adjusting his posture in his chair.


    "Ah¡­ excuse my earlier demeanor. I have been overwhelmed with stress due to this situation, Senior. Please, tell me what you wish to know about this damned beast. I will aid you however I can."


    Yuan merely flashed his usual bright smile, his expression filled with a sense of assurance and calmness.


    "Elder Rein, there is no need for apologies. Who wouldn''t be under immense stress in such dire circumstances? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Yuan, an inner sect disciple of the Howling Wind Branch Sect. I have been assigned to this mission by the sect to slay the demonic beast that has already claimed the lives of five of my junior disciples and to free Wood Craft Village from its terror."


    Yuan''s voice carried a tone of righteousness and elegance, each word spoken with confidence.


    Elder Rein''s eyes widened slightly, clearly taken aback.


    "Sir Yuan is an inner sect disciple¡­ and at such a young age! You must be an exceptionally talented member of your sect!"


    The old man sighed, shaking his head as his expression turned weary.


    "Meanwhile, I¡­ have only managed to awaken three of my senses, and for years now, I have been unable to break through to the fourth. Haah¡­ what a pitiful old man I am."


    His voice was laced with regret, as if lamenting his own lack of progress.


    As the old man spoke, he muttered something under his breath about his cultivation base being stuck at the third awakening.


    Yuan simply shook his head and smiled.


    "Elder, although you are only at the third Mortal Awakening stage, you are still alive. As long as you live, you can still reach the fourth, the fifth, or even the Blood Purification stage! Nothing is impossible. There are no hopeless paths, only people who have lost hope in themselves."


    Of course, Yuan was spouting pure nonsense. At the elder''s age, reaching the Blood Purification stage was nearly impossible. The only way he could achieve such a breakthrough would be by consuming a peak grade pill capable of completely rejuvenating his body,and such treasures were beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators.


    The elder let out a hearty laugh, shaking his head.


    "Hahaha! Sir truly knows how to lift one''s spirits! Me? Reaching the Blood Purification stage? That was a dream I abandoned long ago! But I must thank you, Sir Yuan, for giving me a glimmer of hope¡­ Perhaps, before the end of my days, I might still reach the fourth awakening stage!"


    His laughter filled the tent, and for the first time, his voice lacked the bitterness it once carried.


    Yuan, however, merely sighed and looked at him with a tinge of sadness.


    "Elder..." He started but then fell silent, choosing not to say anything more.


    There was no need to state the obvious. Elder Rein was already half a step into the grave. His hair was completely white, his beard long and frail, and the only trace of vitality left in him was in his dim but resolute eyes.


    Sensing the shift in the conversation, the elder cleared his throat and smiled warmly.


    "So, Sir Yuan, what kind of assistance do you need?"


    At the same time, the armored guard standing nearby remained speechless. He had been completely forgotten by Elder Rein, as if he were nothing more than a shadow in the room.


    He simply stood there, trying to comprehend the strange conversation that had just taken place.


    With just a few words, this young man had turned the ill-tempered, grumpy elder into a completely different person!


    And not only that,he understood nothing of their discussion!


    Awakening? Senses? Blood Purification stage?


    To him, it all sounded like otherworldly nonsense. Yet, despite his confusion, he held his tongue and remained still, his presence completely overshadowed by the exchange between Yuan and Elder Rein.


    "Elder Rein, what I need is very simple. I want to know exactly what happened here." Yuan met the elder''s gaze, his voice steady and firm.


    Elder Rein nodded slowly, a solemn expression settling on his aged face.


    "Very well. Let us discuss the terrible calamity that has befallen our Wood Craft Village over a cup of tea. Please, take a seat at the table."


    With that, Elder Rein moved to retrieve a pot of tea and some dried tea leaves. As he reached for them, his sharp eyes caught sight of the armored guard still standing in the room.


    "Hmph! What are you still doing here? Be gone!" The elder waved his hand dismissively.


    The armored guard didn''t hesitate,he bowed quickly and walked out of the tent without a word, relieved to escape the conversation that was beyond his comprehension.


    Now alone with Yuan, Elder Rein prepared two cups of tea, moving with practiced ease despite his old age.


    Yuan remained seated at the wooden table, his expression calm and patient as he observed the elder''s careful brewing process. The room fell into complete silence, the only sounds being the quiet rustling of tea leaves and the faint bubbling of boiling water.


    Minutes passed. Five, to be exact.


    Then, at last, the tea was ready.


    Elder Rein poured a dark, rich liquid into both cups and gently slid one over to Yuan.


    The aroma was strong and earthy.


    It was black tea.

 Tragedy of The Village

    Yuan slowly sipped the black tea, swallowing it with ease.


    It was normal tea.


    He had already noticed it from the aroma alone, but he didn''t show any dissatisfaction. Instead, he smiled.


    "Haa, it''s been a while since I last drank tea. What a pleasant feeling."


    "Haha, Sir, why praise such simple tea?" Elder Rein chuckled. "This is just a basic brew I bought from a traveling merchant in a nearby city. Sir must have tasted far better tea than this common one."


    Yuan let out a small chuckle of his own.


    "Indeed, Elder Rein, I have tasted better tea in my life. But that does not mean normal tea is without value. The true essence of tea lies not only in its leaves, but in the intent behind its preparation."


    He gently swirled the tea in his cup before continuing.


    "If tea is made purely for profit, it will never reach true excellence. But if it is made with care, for love, or with the intent to create an atmosphere for conversation and understanding, then even the simplest tea becomes enjoyable. It is not just the leaves that make tea great,it is the intention of the one preparing it."


    Hearing Yuan''s words, Elder Rein''s eyes widened slightly, then he suddenly burst into hearty laughter.


    "Hahahaha! Sir truly understands the art of tea! How ignorant of me to think tea was only about the leaves! What a foolish old man I am. I must thank Sir for enlightening me.without your words, I would have never thought of it this way!"


    With renewed appreciation, Elder Rein sipped his tea once more and nodded approvingly.


    "Indeed, it is just as Sir says. This tea even tastes better than the one I made this morning!"


    Yuan smiled slightly, watching the old man''s reaction.


    Though his words about tea were true, in reality, mortal tea could never reach such mastery. Only spiritual tea had the power to change the state of mind.


    But beyond tea itself, what he had truly mean was not tea, but relationships.


    If a person pursues only wealth, they will never put in the effort beyond what benefits them. If a person seeks love, then they will act with care and devotion toward the one they cherish.


    The intentions behind all relationships are like tea,the more care you put into them, the better they become.


    But it seemed the old man didn''t fully grasp the deeper meaning behind Yuan''s words or at least, not yet.


    That meant one of two things: either Elder Rein was simply not well versed in politics and hidden meanings, or he was an incredibly cunning man, able to wear a perfect mask at all times.


    Yuan could only hope it was the former.


    After both had finished enjoying their tea, Yuan placed his cup down and met the elder''s gaze.


    Yuan placed his cup down gently, the faint clink of porcelain breaking the momentary silence.


    "Elder Rein, though I appreciate this peaceful moment of tea with you, I am here on a serious mission from the sect. I must ask you a few questions, so we must set aside this tranquility for now."


    Elder Rein took another slow sip of his tea, as if savoring the warmth, before exhaling softly.


    "Yes, of course," he said, though his voice carried a slight delay, as if weighing his words. "Please ask anything you wish, Sir Yuan. I will do my best to provide answers."


    Yuan''s expression grew more solemn.


    "Then, Elder Rein, please tell me in detail how the demonic beast began its attack on the village. Though it may be painful to recall, I need to understand exactly what happened. Please endure it, Elder."


    The old man''s fingers tapped lightly against the rim of his cup, an idle motion,one that stopped abruptly the moment Yuan asked about the attack.


    "Ah... I remember that day all too well... The day of hell."


    His voice was steady, yet there was a certain stiffness to it, as if he had told this story many times before.


    "It started like any other day. The children were either playing or learning, the adults were working or resting, and I was making my usual rounds through the village."


    He paused, his eyes momentarily unfocused, before continuing.


    "Then, suddenly, a loud noise echoed through the village. And before I could even process what was happening... I saw it. A massive, snake like beast."


    He glanced at Yuan as he spoke, just briefly, before shifting his gaze to the side.


    "In a mere moment, the village began to tremble. The children and adults froze, paralyzed by fear. The warriors, knowing they were outmatched, hastily took up their weapons, ready to die for the village. The few cultivators among us rushed forward to stand against the beast."


    He sighed, rubbing his knuckles absentmindedly.


    "But it was futile."


    "Their weapons had no effect. The spiritual essence around that demonic beast didn''t make sense,it was chaotic, unnatural. And as they fought, one by one, our warriors fell, their bodies strewn across the cold earth. The beast spared no one. It was chaos,pure, merciless chaos. Death consumed our village that day."


    Elder Rein exhaled slowly, placing his cup down with deliberate care. His hands did not tremble, but his grip on the porcelain seemed just a fraction too firm.


    "So many poor villagers died... children and adults alike. The beast did not discriminate. It slaughtered without reason, without remorse."


    Yuan remained silent, studying the elder carefully.


    "Then, suddenly, it stopped." Elder Rein''s voice dropped to a whisper. "Why? Who knows? Perhaps it had eaten its fill. Perhaps it was simply no longer interested in us. I cannot say."


    His hand moved to his lap, but Yuan caught the faintest twitch of his fingers,a habitual motion, as if suppressing the urge to make a sign of warding.


    "But since that day, it has not attacked again."


    A breath. A pause. Then, a carefully measured continuation.


    "Then, some weeks later, the outer disciples of the Howling Wind Sect arrived, believing they could slay the creature. But one by one, they fell."


    He closed his eyes for a moment, a crease forming between his brows.


    "What remained of them... were their mangled, torn corpses,scattered across the outskirts of the Dorn Plant region."


    As Elder Rein finished, the room fell into a weighted silence,one that stretched just a little too long before he exhaled and reached for his tea again.


    Yuan narrowed his eyes, processing the elder''s words carefully.


    Something felt¡­ off.


    "Don''t worry, Elder Rein. I will definitely kill this snake bastard and I''ll make sure it suffers a fate more horrific than it ever inflicted upon your people!"


    His eyes shone with deep anger, as if he had personally suffered at the hands of this beast.


    Seeing this, Elder Rein let out a small chuckle and shook his head.


    "Please, Sir, do not let hatred consume you. Just slay the creature. If it is defeated, then perhaps the fallen souls of our people can finally ascend to the cycle of reincarnation... with peaceful smiles on their faces."


    After that, Elder Rein spoke a little more about the lasting effects of the attack on the village.


    Most villagers lived in constant fear, always dreading that the beast would return to slaughter them again. The tragedy had left deep scars,not only in their homes but also in their hearts. Families continued to grieve for their lost loved ones, and the village had yet to recover from the devastation.


    But as the elder spoke, a new thought formed in Yuan''s mind,a thought that filled him with unease.


    Something about this entire situation felt... off.


    Not just with Elder Rein,but with the Howling Wind Sect itself.


    Normally, a righteous sect like the Howling Wind Sect would have immediately assigned an inner disciple or even a core disciple,to deal with the threat and protect the village.


    Yet... they didn''t.


    Instead, they ignored the situation completely, allowing the village to suffer for months without aid.


    This was dangerous.


    If another sect caught wind of this negligence, they could question the Howling Wind Sect''s so-called righteousness. Worse, they could use this as an excuse to brand the sect as corrupt or even evil,justifying a takeover of its nearby territories.


    Why?


    Why would the sect allow this to happen?


    It didn''t make sense.


    Even Elder Rein began to sound more suspicious as he spoke.


    He talked at length about the aftermath of the attack,how the village suffered, how the people lived in fear,but he never once mentioned any attempts to seek outside help.


    Why?


    If they truly struggled this much, why didn''t they seek aid from a wandering righteous cultivator, beg another sect, or request assistance from a clan?


    The more Elder Rein spoke, the more Yuan noticed the glaring absence of any real attempts to solve the crisis before the Howling Wind Sect finally intervened.


    Something was off. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Why did the village endure so much before the sect sent disciples?


    Yuan tried to make sense of the situation, but no matter how he turned it in his mind, he couldn''t reach a logical conclusion.


    Gathering More Information.


    After talking at length with Elder Rein, Yuan finally bid farewell, assuring the elder that once he killed the demonic beast, he would return for another cup of tea.


    Elder Rein smiled warmly, seemingly pleased.


    "You will always have a seat here, Sir Yuan," the elder said, his voice full of gratitude.


    With that, Yuan left the elder''s tent, but his mind remained troubled.


    The contradictions in the villagers'' behavior, the sect''s inaction, and the elder''s vague explanations didn''t sit well with him.


    Now, he needed to hear from the last remaining warriors of the village,the survivors of the beast''s attack.


    Speaking With the Warriors.


    Yuan approached the surviving warriors and questioned them about the attack.


    The first man, his face pale with fear, spoke in a trembling voice


    "The monster attacked wildly¡­ without any pattern!"


    Another warrior, his brows furrowed in thought, added


    "No¡­ it wasn''t random. It looked like it was searching for something."


    And then, there were many more stories.


    Some claimed the beast moved like a shadow,swift, unseen until it struck.Others swore it crushed houses like paper but ignored certain buildings.A few even said they heard whispers in the air,something unnatural about the attack.


    But as Yuan listened to each account, a realization began to form.


    Something Wasn''t Right


    Everything they described made no sense.


    With Basilisk''s memories, Yuan knew more about snakes than anyone.


    Snakes were not chaotic creatures.


    Even among demonic beasts, there were countless varieties of snake type creatures that could match parts of the description.


    But for one single snake to exhibit all of these traits,random attacks, erratic movement, destructive force yet selective targeting,was impossible.


    Even a Body Ascension stage demonic beast wouldn''t behave this way.


    Which could only mean one thing¡­


    Something about this attack was unnatural.


    There was more to this situation than anyone was telling him.


    Pondering about the demonic beast didn''t help at all,it only left more questions than answers.


    So, Yuan decided to explore the ruined village, searching for any clues.


    A Battlefield Full of Contradictions


    As he examined the destruction, his confusion only deepened.


    The demonic beast was at least at the Meridian Awakened Stage.


    That was the first realization he came to after analyzing the battle marks and the deep prints left behind.


    But if the beast was that strong¡­ why didn''t it kill all the villagers?


    It didn''t make sense. A Meridian Awakened-stage demonic beast should have been able to wipe out the entire village effortlessly.


    Even stranger, the ruins of the buildings didn''t look like they had been destroyed by a battle.


    No, they looked as if they had been crushed by an enormous force,like an immense weight had slammed down upon them, flattening everything under its sheer gravity.


    The more Yuan analyzed the battlefield, the more he realized that he wouldn''t find any answers here.


    This village was covered in mystery.


    If he continued asking questions, the villagers would start noticing his suspicions.


    Manipulation wouldn''t work here.


    And kidnapping a villager? Too risky.


    What if the person he took didn''t feared death and feared more the betrayal of his village?


    That wasn''t a gamble he was willing to take.


    Only One Path Remains


    "So, I have no other choice but to go into the Dorn Plant Area, huh?"


    Yuan whispered to himself, letting out a quiet sigh.


    "An easy mission, he said¡­ Li Yun you truly have fooled me. This is no by no means a simple killing task,it''s a mission filled with mystery and death."


    He shook his head, his lips curling into a dry smirk.


    "What a fool I am to trust someone''s judgment when it comes to missions."


    With that thought lingering in his mind, Yuan turned his gaze toward the dense trees of the Thirty Plant Mist Forest.


    And without hesitation, he began walking toward the unknown.

 Entering The Thirty Plant Forest

    A forest filled with unique kinds of trees and countless plants,this was the Thirty Plant Forest.


    But that didn''t mean monsters weren''t lurking within.


    On the contrary, countless demonic beasts roamed these lands, hidden beneath the thick trees. The overwhelming density of trees and plants, however, was what made this forest truly unique.


    And that was painfully visible to Yuan as he carefully made his way through the outskirts of the Thirty Plant Forest.


    Each time he misstepped, he would trigger a tree,only for it to attack him with its roots.


    Trees, in general, were incredibly difficult opponents. Unlike beasts, they were nearly immortal unless one destroyed their entire root system.


    But thankfully, Yuan had the Azure Basilisk Flames.


    However, unlike the original Azure Basilisk Flames that belonged to Basilisk,which were wildly destructive, capable of burning everything in their path,Yuan''s flames were different.


    Through his refinement of the Azure Basilisk Flames using the Flame Poison Cleansing Demonic Beast Technique, the nature of his fire had shifted.


    Rather than being purely destructive, Yuan''s flames had gained a regenerative nature.


    This meant that while its offensive power was significantly weakened, it still possessed enough strength to burn down the attacking trees.


    Though it was a pity that he couldn''t wield the true power of Basilisk''s flames, Yuan wasn''t disappointed.


    For now, his flames were strong enough to kill a Bright Beginner Bone Stage cultivator,and that was enough.


    As he continued to be careful around the various traps set by the trees, he even discovered a few decent spiritual herbs,valuable enough to fetch a good price if sold.


    His Bag of Holding, granted to him upon becoming an Inner Sect Disciple, gradually became heavier as he gathered more herbs.


    And so, he lingered, spending extra time searching for more treasures.


    "Birds die for food, and men die for treasures."


    A smirk crossed Yuan''s lips as he pressed forward.


    Time passed slowly as Yuan searched through the southern region of the Thirty Plant Forest.


    Although he didn''t find many spiritual herbs, he still managed to collect a few. But aside from searching for herbs, he was also on the lookout for any beast lairs.


    Yet, he found nothing.


    The entire southern outskirts of the Thirty Plant Forest lacked demonic beasts.


    Not even a normal Blood Purification Stage demonic beast could be found,only Blood Purification and Meridian Awakening Stage plants.


    That didn''t make sense.


    According to the Howling Wind Sect''s School Records, the outskirts of the Thirty Plant Forest should have Blood Purification Stage demonic beasts. In some cases, there should even be an Overlord Meridian Awakening Stage demonic beast roaming around.


    But there were none.


    Had the plants killed all the beasts?


    That thought crossed Yuan''s mind for a brief moment.


    But then, he scoffed at the idea.


    Impossible.


    Plants could not survive without other life forms.


    How would they hasten their cultivation without absorbing the blood of beasts? Without it, they would eventually stop cultivating altogether.


    Even though plants at this level lacked intelligence, they still possessed innate instincts that guided their survival.


    Even demonic beasts understood this.


    Many beasts actively sought to befriend certain spiritual trees, as those trees could bear fruits that aided their cultivation.


    This wasn''t just common knowledge,it was something all demonic beasts were born knowing.


    Whether it was a dragon or a mere demonic ant, all of them inherited this knowledge through their bloodline memories.


    And so, Yuan came to a different conclusion.


    The problem wasn''t in the outskirts.


    Something must have happened in the inner region¡­ or even the core region of the Thirty Plant Forest.


    The core region of this forest was known to house countless Bone Forging Stage beasts, and perhaps even few Marrow Essence Stage creatures.


    Although Yuan could enter the inner region, the core region was completely beyond his reach.


    Only someone like Sect Head Wang would be able to move freely in that area.


    Perhaps, a Peak Bone Forging Stage cultivator could barely survive there.


    But him?


    With his mere Blood Purification Stage cultivation?


    nearly Impossible.


    "What should I do now?" Yuan muttered to himself. "Should I go into the inner region¡­ or inform the sect that something strange is happening in the Thirty Plant Forest?"


    After a brief pause, he shook his head.


    "Let''s look around the inner region carefully first. Maybe I can find the reason there."


    Although Yuan considered the possibility that a powerful herb or treasure might have appeared, attracting the beasts and causing chaos, he hoped that wasn''t the case.


    If a rare treasure had truly emerged, then countless demonic beasts would have been drawn to it, leading to endless bloodshed.


    And if that was the case, then he wasn''t the only one who would come looking.


    His mission had now shifted.


    Instead of merely hunting down the beast that attacked the villagers, Yuan was now investigating the strange changes within the forest itself.


    And so, he stepped forward.


    As he crossed into the inner region, a distinct, metallic scent filled his nose.


    Blood.


    The further he walked, the stronger the scent became.


    Just as he had smelled,there was indeed a dead demonic beast nearby.


    Lying in a pool of dried blood, a Blood Purification Stage demonic beast lay motionless. Its body was covered in deep wounds, with missing body parts, evidence of a brutal battle.


    Yuan frowned.


    Weird¡­ why hasn''t anything eaten this corpse yet?


    This was too strange.


    The blood had already dried, meaning the beast had been dead for quite some time. Yet, despite that, its meat remained untouched.


    In a place filled with starving, weaker demonic beasts, a corpse like this should have already been devoured.


    Now, Yuan was beginning to realize the truth.


    Something far bigger was happening in the Thirty Plant Forest.


    At first, he had suspected the village. Perhaps Elder Rein or someone else was hiding something. But this¡­


    This was different.


    This wasn''t something just the village anymore.


    This was about the entire Thirty Plant Forest.


    And there was no way someone like Elder Rein could have schemed something like this. He was too weak, too insignificant to even move the powerfull demonic beast of the core area.


    No, this had to be the work of a powerful cultivator.


    Perhaps an enemy sect.


    Perhaps even one of the Grand Elders of the Howling Wind Sect itself.


    A deep sense of unease settled in Yuan''s chest.


    This situation is already beyond my control.


    Now, he truly had only two choices left.


    First choice


    Investigate.


    Find out who is behind this. If this was a scheme against the Howling Wind Sect, then he might be able to gather information and uncover important secrets. Perhaps he could even find something useful to himself.


    Return to the sect and report everything.


    He could tell the elders about the strange behavior of the villagers, the abnormal state of the forest, and the disappearance of powerful beasts.


    But¡­ if he did that, he would immediately fall under suspicion.


    The elders and Grand Elders would surely keep an eye on him.


    And worst of all, if this was truly an internal scheme, then he might even be silenced before he could speak.


    Yuan stood still, deep in thought.


    This was an important decision.


    And the path he chose now would shape his fate moving forward.


    "Hehehe¡­" Yuan chuckled at the absurdity of his own predicament.


    As if there was even a choice to be made.


    "The path I take is already obvious."


    A sly grin spread across his face.


    "Let''s find out a few secrets, shall we? Hehehe¡­"


    With that last chuckle, Yuan stepped deeper into the forest, his movements now careful and calculated.


    He moved as silently as possible, trying not to attract the attention of any demonic beasts or aggressive plants.


    But trees have highly sensitive roots.


    It didn''t take long before a few trees noticed his presence. Their roots twitched, their branches swayed, and soon enough, Yuan was forced to burn a few of them down.


    That, in turn, attracted a few demonic beasts.


    Although they were weak, they were still troublesome.


    Time passed.


    Night fell.


    The golden sunlight no longer pierced through the thick canopy.


    Darkness engulfed the forest.


    But this was not an unnatural darkness, not one caused by spiritual means, but simply the absence of light.


    For ordinary mortals, this would be a nightmare.


    But Yuan''s awakened eyes saw through the darkness as if it were broad daylight.


    Now, he had spent half a day in the forest, gathering a few valuable herbs along the way.


    But more importantly


    The deeper he went, the more dead demonic beasts he found.


    The number of corpses increased as he neared the core region of the Thirty Plant Forest.


    And now, he had arrived at one of the thirty unique plant areas within the forest.


    The Water Valley Plant Area.


    In this area, a waterfall cascaded down from the towering cliffs, forming a crystal clear river that eventually flowed out of the Thirty Plant Forest, feeding into a small lake beyond its borders.


    But the beauty of the Water Valley was deceptive.


    This was not a peaceful place.


    This was a valley of death.


    Here, the plants and creatures were especially dangerous.


    Yuan''s eyes flickered as he took in the sights around him.


    The Surprise Spike Tree,A tree that appeared perfectly normal, its roots hidden within the river. But if an unsuspecting demonic beast tried to drink from the water, the tree would launch its roots like deadly spears, piercing its prey in an instant.


    The Small Beast Poison Demonic Fish,A deceptively harmless-looking fish. But if any beast smaller than it tried to consume it, the fish''s deadly poison would kill them instantly.


    The Angry Ravager Demonic Fish,A true killing machine. This fish did not discriminate. It would slaughter anything in the river,even its own kind.


    The Sharp Four Toothed Demonic Fish,Unlike most fish, this one could kill even outside of water. It was fast, aggressive, and had four razor sharp fangs capable of tearing through flesh in an instant.


    As to why he even remembered these demonic fishes and Plants,there was something intersting about the Valley that Yuan heard.


    During his time at the sect''s school pavilion, his teacher had spoken about many things, including a few details about the Thirty Plant Forest.


    One particular lesson stood out to him.


    The instructor had mentioned that among the deadliest places in the Thirty Plant Forest, there was one that was also considered strangely place,the Water Valley region.


    But what truly engraved this place into Yuan''s memory was not just its reputation. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was the story of an elder from the Howling Wind Sect who had died here.


    Before his death, the elder had once said


    If I die anywhere outside the sect, I will leave my inheritance behind, hidden near the place of my death.


    Yet, despite many cultivators searching, no one had ever found anything.


    For decades years now, the rumor of this lost inheritance had remained.


    But now, Yuan was here.


    "Maybe¡­ it''s time to take a look."

 Weirdness of the Thirty Plants Forest

    The silent wind blew softly through the Water Valley Region as Yuan stepped forward, his movements steady yet cautious.


    Each step felt heavy as the moist earth clung to his boots, the constant absorption of water turning the ground into thick mud.


    The Water Valley was home to many demonic beasts, especially those that thrived in the mud and marshlands.


    Yet, as Yuan observed his surroundings, he noticed something strange.


    The usual demonic beasts that should have been lurking in the mud were scarce.


    Most of them were already dead,their lifeless bodies left untouched, as if no other beast dared to approach them.


    Only a few creatures still remained alive, lurking cautiously beneath the murky water.


    As Yuan walked deeper into the valley, the roaring sound of the river echoed in the distance. The crashing of water against stone filled the air, yet amidst the natural noise, another sound reached his ears.


    Clashing


    The distinct sound of battle.


    His brows furrowed.


    Are demonic beasts fighting? Yuan wondered, slowing his pace.


    With renewed caution, he crept forward, his every movement silent, as he approached the source of the commotion.


    Then


    Boom!


    The ground trembled from a powerful impact.


    Yuan peered through the foliage, his sharp eyes locking onto the scene before him.


    A massive, snake like beast was locked in a vicious fight against¡­ a group of fish?


    Yuan''s eyes narrowed.


    "Fish¡­ on land?"


    The scene made no sense for a brief moment. But then,he looked closer.


    His eyes widened in recognition.


    "Yes. There''s no mistake. These are definitely the Sharp Four Toothed Demonic Fish!"


    These fish were not ordinary. They were famous for their ability to survive out of water, moving on land using their strong, sharp fins.


    They were ferocious hunters, capable of tearing apart creatures many times their size.


    And yet


    A black scaled snake, its massive body coiled tightly, its dark, armored scales covered in battle scars.


    It had clearly survived countless battles, its wounds a sign to its strength.


    For a moment, Yuan simply observed.


    He remained hidden, watching silently, analyzing the fight.


    The battle raged on for half an hour, but in the end


    The Sharp Four Toothed Demonic Fish lay slaughtered, their lifeless bodies scattered across the mud.


    And the victor?


    The black scaled snake,a Meridian Awakened Stage demonic beast.


    While the fish had only been at the Blood Purification Stage, the snake had proven its dominance.


    Yuan''s eyes gleamed with interest.


    "A meridian awakened demonic beast¡­ now that''s interesting."


    Why did these demonic fish fight against the black scaled snake?


    Yuan furrowed his brows as the question surfaced in his mind. Demonic beasts rarely sought out battles with stronger opponents,it went against their natural instincts.


    The situation felt strange.


    Could it have been a territorial fight? Yuan pondered.


    Perhaps the fish simply wanted to expand their territory, or maybe they had been driven by something else entirely.


    But just as he was forming his theories


    Something happened.


    The black scaled snake coiled tightly around its fallen prey, its powerful muscles still twitching from the recent battle. Then, as it swallowed its last bite, its body froze mid motion. A deep, guttural hiss escaped its throat,one final, involuntary exhale.


    And then¡­ it collapsed.


    Its massive frame slumped to the ground, its glossy black scales losing their luster almost instantly, as if drained of all life. The air grew heavier, the unnatural silence stretching endlessly.


    Yuan''s spine tingled. Something was wrong.


    One moment, the beast had feasted with satisfaction, devouring its prey, and the next


    It fell limp.


    Lifeless.


    Dead.


    A deep chill ran down his spine.


    He didn''t know what to think.


    His hands trembled slightly as his instincts screamed at him,danger.


    His gaze darted around.


    Yet¡­


    Nothing moved.


    No lurking trees. No aggressive plants. No hidden predator waiting to strike.


    Everything remained eerily silent.


    "Was the fish poisoned?"


    It was the only explanation that made sense.


    The fish must have been poisoned before the battle even started.


    Yuan''s body tensed as he carefully approached the lifeless creatures.


    Crouching down, he first examined the black scaled snake, placing his fingers near its snout.


    No breath.


    No movement.


    The beast was truly dead.


    His gaze then shifted toward the uneaten demonic fish that lay strewn across the ground.


    A pool of spilled blood surrounded their corpses.


    Yuan narrowed his eyes, leaning in closer.


    "If they were poisoned, there should be some signs in the blood¡­"


    His keen eyes scanned the liquid carefully, searching for any abnormalities.


    Then


    His breath caught.


    The blood was poisoned.


    And not just any poison.


    This was a strong poison.


    A very potent, lethal kind.


    Yuan''s expression darkened at the realization.


    The deeper he ventured into the Thirty Plant Forest, the worse his instincts screamed at him to leave.


    Something was deeply wrong with this place.


    And now, he had to make a new decision.


    "Sigh¡­" Yuan let out a deep, frustrated breath, his expression growing darker by the second.


    His instincts screamed at him to leave.


    "I need to kill that damn snake and get the hell out of this cursed forest!" Yuan muttered, his tone laced with irritation.


    He no longer cared about the Water Valley, about possible treasures, or anything else hidden within the Thirty Plant Forest. He just wanted to leave.


    And so, Yuan began his search anew, dashing through the dense forest, scouring every region he could.


    He found dead demonic snakes.He found living ones.


    But not the one he was looking for.


    He had already searched ten regions of the Thirty Plant Forest, and still, he had found no trace of the supposed "mysterious snake" that had killed the villagers and disciples.


    Two days had already passed.


    Yet, Yuan found nothing.


    Not even a single clue.


    When he arrived at the site where the outer disciples'' bodies were discovered, his suspicions grew even stronger.


    There were no traces of a snake attack.


    Instead, the only thing he found was the presence of humans.


    The more he investigated, the more Yuan became convinced


    There was no demonic snake.


    It was all fabricated.


    Someone wanted it to look like a snake attack.


    A heavy, suffocating feeling weighed on his chest.


    His gut feeling,the one warning him that something was deeply wrong,only grew stronger.


    Yuan clenched his fists.


    "Damn it! Where the fuck is this damn beast?! Why can''t it just appear in front of me and drop dead?!" He shouted in frustration.


    His patience was running thin.


    Then


    A thought crossed his mind.


    "Should I just leave?"


    At this point, it was the safest option.


    If he left now, he could claim that he never went into the deeper parts of the forest out of fear.


    Sure, the sect might mock him for being a coward.


    But did that really matter?


    Yuan exhaled sharply, weighing his options.


    After a moment of silence, he made his decision.


    "I''ll search for a few more hours."


    If he didn''t find any clues by then, he would abandon the mission and return to the sect.


    Let them call him a coward.


    At least he would still be alive.


    Yuan made his way toward one of the deadliest regions of the inner area


    This place was infamous for one reason,Nothing lived here.


    There were no beasts.No spiritual plants.Not even grass.


    Only trees.


    But these weren''t ordinary trees.


    The trees of the Lifeless Region were truly terrifying.


    They killed everything that came near them.


    Even the soil itself seemed barren,drained of all vitality.


    As Yuan approached, he immediately noticed the eerie sight before him.


    The entire region was filled with tall, leafless trees, standing like silent reapers, their twisted, bark-covered limbs reaching toward the sky like clawed hands.


    "These trees even kill grass¡­" Yuan thought, his brows furrowing.


    This place was nothing but death.


    But Yuan wasn''t foolish.


    He knew exactly how to traverse this dangerous terrain.


    With a swift motion, he leaped onto one of the lifeless trees, landing effortlessly on a sturdy branch.


    This was the key to survival.


    The trees could not attack from above.


    As long as he remained on the branches, he was safe.


    With careful steps, he moved across the treetops, silently scanning the region below.


    For a while, there was nothing.


    Just endless dead trees.


    But then


    Something unusual caught his eye. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A cave.


    "A cave?" Yuan muttered under his breath, narrowing his eyes.


    That didn''t make any sense.


    Why would there be a cave in the Lifeless Region?


    There shouldn''t be anything here.


    No beasts lived here.No humans could survive here.


    "Then why is there a cave?"


    Yuan''s instincts screamed at him,this was suspicious.


    So, instead of acting recklessly, he stayed hidden and began to observe the cave entrance from a distance.


    It could be a trap.


    It could be something far worse.


    For nearly six hours, Yuan remained still, silently waiting.


    Nothing.


    No beasts.No movement.No sign of life.


    Pointless.


    It was a waste of time to wait any longer.


    Yuan narrowed his gaze, his expression growing serious.


    His azure black eyes gleamed in the dim light, and suddenly


    red aura manifested around his body, slowly swirling in the air before fusing into his skin.


    This was no ordinary technique.


    It was a small trick he had learned from Basilisk''s memories.


    Cultivators or Demonic Beasts who possessed regenerative auras often merged them directly into their bodies before battle.


    It was a basic technique for them.


    And Yuan had copied it perfectly.


    Now fully prepared, he took a deep breath


    And stepped toward the cave.


    With his preparations complete, Yuan firmly gripped the sword from his bag of holding.


    Though it was just an ordinary iron sword, it was still useful enough for his techniques. It could at least wound a demonic beast.


    And if it wasn''t enough?


    Then he would unleash his Azure Basilisk Flames.


    And if even that failed?


    Then¡­


    He''d run for his dear life.


    Closing his eyes for a moment, Yuan took a deep breath.


    When he opened them again, his sharp, azure black gaze was filled with unwavering determination.


    "No hesitation."


    With that thought, he descended from the trees, his footsteps silent against the dead earth.


    He moved toward the mysterious cave entrance, but before stepping in


    Yuan reached down, grabbed a handful of dirt, and threw it into the cave''s darkness.


    He waited.


    ¡­No reaction.


    A breath of relief escaped him.


    "At least it''s not some giant demonic beast''s mouth."


    After all, no self respecting demonic beast would just sit there while someone threw dirt into its mouth.


    That was beneath their pride.


    With that confirmed, Yuan stepped forward without hesitation.


    But he wasn''t careless.


    At that very moment, he had already prepared the Howling Gale Steps technique, keeping himself ready to escape at a moment''s notice.


    As he ventured deeper into the cave, he noticed something strange.


    No demonic beasts.No bones.No traps.


    Nothing.


    The path ended abruptly at a solid stone wall.


    "Is there really nothing here?" Yuan frowned, scanning his surroundings.


    Something felt off.


    This had to be more than just a dead end.


    Yuan searched the walls, feeling for any kind of mechanism,perhaps a hidden switch or a secret entrance.


    But he found nothing.


    Yet, he refused to give up.


    "If I can''t find the key to open the door¡­"


    A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "Then I''ll just break the door down."


    Without hesitation, Yuan stored his sword back into his bag of holding.


    He took a deep stance, concentrating his red aura into his fists.


    The aura surged through his veins, gathering at his knuckles.


    For a full minute, he built up his power,his muscles tensing as the red glow intensified.


    Then


    BAM!


    He slammed his fist into the stone wall.


    A thunderous shockwave erupted through the cave.


    But¡­


    The wall barely cracked.


    Yuan''s eyes narrowed.


    "Stubborn thing, aren''t you?"


    Not wasting time, he attacked again.


    And again.


    And again.


    With each punch, more cracks spread across the stone.


    After thirty relentless strikes


    CRACK!


    The wall collapsed, revealing a hidden passageway beyond the rubble.


    Yuan wiped the sweat from his brow, a triumphant smirk forming on his lips.


    "Looks like I was right."

 Dangerous Encouter in the Passage

    As Yuan continued down the passage, his footsteps echoed through the narrow stone corridor.


    He walked for about ten minutes straight, his breathing steady, his mind alert.


    Then, at the end of the passage, he saw it.


    A door.


    There was nothing remarkable about it. No intricate carvings. No glowing symbols. No inscriptions.


    Just a plain wooden door.


    Yet, Yuan did not hastily push it open.


    He was no fool.


    What if there''s a runic formation behind this door?


    If there was even one hidden rune formation, opening the door recklessly could trigger a deadly explosion.


    And that would mean instant death.


    Yuan narrowed his eyes, stepping closer with cautious precision.


    He examined the door.


    Nothing.


    He inspected the surrounding walls.


    Still nothing.


    There were no traps, no hidden formations, no concealed mechanisms to activate anything.


    Yet¡­


    Something felt off.


    For ten minutes, he had walked through an eerily empty passage, and no one had appeared to stop him.


    That alone was highly suspicious.


    He had to stay cautious.


    Yuan took a slow, deep breath. His pupils shrunk, and his body tensed as his fingers reached for the door handle.


    With deliberate slowness, he pressed down on the lever.


    CREAK¡­


    The door groaned softly as it swung open.


    But Yuan did not step in.


    Instead


    He threw the door wide open and jumped back, his muscles coiled, ready to flee at a moment''s notice.


    Silence.


    Nothing happened.


    Yuan''s gaze darted toward the open doorway.


    Beyond it, there was only darkness.


    A deep, consuming darkness.


    His eyes widened in shock.


    "I¡­ can''t see what''s inside?"


    Even with his awakened senses, his vision could not pierce the veil of shadows.


    That was impossible.


    Still, nothing moved. No traps activated. No sudden attacks.


    Only the silent abyss beyond the door.


    "Haa¡­" Yuan sighed.


    But his fingers tightened.


    "Nothing happening is usually the biggest warning that something will happen."


    His nerves were on high alert now.


    With no other choice, Yuan drew his sword from his bag of holding, the cold steel reflecting dim light from the passage.


    Then


    He stepped forward.


    The moment his foot crossed the threshold, the darkness shifted.


    It was not instant.


    Instead, the black haze slowly faded, as if it had been waiting for something.


    Bit by bit, the room beyond became visible.


    The more Yuan saw, the faster his eyes scanned the surroundings.


    And then


    He froze.


    The room was spacious, filled with decorations that hinted at long term residence.


    A meditation bed rested near the far corner. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with countless books. A few bottles, possibly filled with spiritual elixirs, were neatly arranged on a nearby table.


    At first glance, it looked like the cultivation cave of an cultivator someone who had lived here for a quite sometime.


    But as Yuan''s eyes darted around, scanning the area, a strange sound interrupted his thoughts.


    The wind.


    A cold gust brushed past him, making his skin tingle.


    Instantly, his body tensed. His grip tightened on his sword, and his stance shifted into one of caution.


    Something or someone was here.


    Yuan''s gaze sharpened, scanning every shadow, every flicker of movement. His breath slowed. His muscles coiled, ready to spring into action at any moment.


    And then, he saw her.


    A woman.


    She stood near the far side of the room, her figure partially shrouded by the dim lighting.


    Long, dark blue hair cascaded down her back, its strands shimmering faintly under the flickering lanterns. Her piercing blue eyes glowed with an unnatural light, sharp and unwavering.


    She wore a flowing blue daoist robe, which hugged her frame yet allowed for effortless movement. The fabric was slightly loose around her chest, revealing just enough of her ample curves to draw the eye,but that was not what stunned Yuan the most.


    No.


    What truly unsettled him¡­ were her eyes.


    They were not round like a normal human''s.


    Instead, they were straight, narrow,serpentine.


    Yuan''s breath hitched for a moment.


    His instincts screamed danger.


    Yet, after a second of careful observation, he relaxed slightly.


    If she could kill him instantly, she could have already done so.


    That meant either


    She was testing him. She underestimated him. She did not see him as a threat at all.


    Yuan could only hope for the second option.


    A confident smile spread across his lips.


    He lowered his sword just slightly,just enough to show ease, but not enough to drop his guard.


    Let''s see if we can talk first.


    With a light chuckle, he greeted her.


    "Hello, fellow Daoist. How is it that I find you here?"


    The moment the words left his lips, silence filled the room.


    The air grew thick with tension.


    Yuan did not move. His body was prepared to react at the slightest sign of hostility.


    Then, after three long moments, the blue-haired woman finally spoke.


    Her voice was cold as ice.


    "Brat¡­ who are you?"


    Her piercing blue eyes narrowed as she took a step forward, arms folded, posture confident.


    "A lost rogue cultivator? Some rat sent by a minor clan to steal from my cave? Or just another idiot who wandered into the wrong place?"


    Her lips curled slightly,not in amusement, but in disdain.


    "Well? Speak. Or would you rather I just kill you now?"


    Yuan''s smile did not waver.


    But inwardly, he smiled.


    Good. She wants to talk first.


    That meant negotiation was still on the table.


    He bowed slightly, keeping his tone polite yet steady.


    "Fellow Daoist, I must naturally apologize for intruding upon your cultivation cave. However, as you know, this land, the Thirty Plants Forest, is under the jurisdiction of the Howling Wind Sect."


    Her expression shifted slightly, just for a second.


    Yuan continued.


    "I came here under my sect''s orders to investigate the unusual events occurring in the forest. As I searched, I noticed that the outer regions of the forest had become eerily void of demonic beasts. That raised my suspicions, so I ventured further. Eventually, my search led me here, to this cave. Naturally, I did not know this was your dwelling, nor did I expect to find someone cultivating here."


    He let his words linger for a moment.


    Observing her reaction.


    Her blue eyes flickered slightly at the mention of the Howling Wind Sect.


    Then, instead of softening, her expression grew even colder.


    "Brat¡­ why should I trust a single word you say?"


    Her voice was sharp, filled with undisguised suspicion.


    Then, she raised her chin slightly, a smirk playing on her lips.


    "If you''re really from the Howling Wind Sect, then prove it."


    Yuan''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    "Oh? And how exactly do you want me to prove it?"


    The woman scoffed.


    "Simple. Show me your identification slate."


    Yuan''s mind sharpened instantly.


    Ah. So that''s what she wants.


    If he even tried to retrieve his identification slate, it would mean opening his bag of holding,a perfect opening for an ambush.


    Did she think he was some naive three year old?


    Yuan sneered internally at the obvious trap.


    But on the surface, he laughed lightly.


    "Hahaha, Fellow Daoist, please¡­ Who in the entire Seven Peak Mist Mountains would dare to impersonate a disciple of one of the Seven Sects?"


    His voice was lighthearted, but his muscles remained tense, ready to strike or flee at any moment.


    "If someone were foolish enough to do so and got caught, they would be hunted down by the sects themselves. I doubt anyone would dare attempt something so suicidal."


    The moment he finished speaking, Yuan had already begun moving his spiritual blood.


    Silently, he activated Howling Gale Steps, preparing to retreat if necessary.


    At the same time, he channeled spiritual energy into his fingers, preparing to use Wind Cutter Slash at the first sign of an attack.


    His eyes never left hers.


    If she so much as twitched, he would react instantly.


    The tension in the room rose sharply.


    The battle of wits and patience had begun.


    The woman''s smirk widened.


    "Hmpf. If you refuse to show me your identification slate¡­ then why should I tell you why I''m here, brat?"


    Her eyes flashed dangerously.


    "Now, you can die."


    With a sneer, the woman''s cold, piercing gaze turned sharp as a blade. Without another word, she lunged forward, closing the distance between them in an instant.


    Realizing that talk was over and a fight was inevitable, Yuan''s smile vanished.


    His expression turned indifferent,cold, emotionless.


    His azure black eyes reflected nothing but calm calculation.


    Spiritual blood surged through his body.


    He channeled the flow toward his toes, fingertips, and wrists, preparing his Wind Cutter Slash technique. His stance shifted subtly, every muscle coiling like a drawn bow, ready to react at the perfect moment.


    Yet, his gaze never left his opponent.


    As the woman charged, her sleeve fluttered, and in a single, fluid motion, she unsheathed a sword.


    A crystal blue sword.


    Yuan''s pupils shrank slightly.


    "A quasi spiritual artifact?"


    The moment the sword emerged, a faint but oppressive spiritual pressure spread through the room. Though weaker than a full fledged spiritual artifact, its presence was undeniable.


    "Tsk." Yuan clicked his tongue.


    This fight had just become twenty times harder.


    A quasi spiritual sword was not something a mere Blood Purification cultivator should be able to wield so freely,only someone above that stage could wield it. Normally, such spiritual artifacts required at least a Marrow Essence stage cultivator to control.


    "This woman¡­ she has a background."


    But annoyance was all Yuan felt. Not fear.


    Even as she approached at blinding speed, he remained calm.


    The woman''s blade gleamed, prepared to behead him in a single strike.


    Yet, Yuan did not retreat.


    Instead, he lowered his head slightly, his sharp gaze never leaving hers.


    And then


    He burned his spiritual blood.


    Immediately, his hands became lighter,more flexible.


    The flow of spiritual blood in his toes thinned and dispersed, spreading throughout his entire lower body. His legs became weightless, his movement sharper, faster, more fluid.


    A mere instant before her blade reached him


    The crystal blue sword sliced through empty air, failing to claim Yuan''s head.


    In that same moment, his own sword thrust forward, aiming directly for the woman''s heart.


    But she had already anticipated this.


    Her quasi spiritual sword clashed against his blade, their weapons grinding against each other with a sharp metallic screech.


    Their eyes met cold, ruthless, unyielding.


    Neither spoke, neither blinked.


    Then


    Yuan moved first.


    With a sharp pivot, he swung his leg low, aiming a precise kick at her calves.


    The woman reacted instantly, stepping back hastily, narrowly avoiding the strike.


    She retreated several steps, creating distance between them.


    Yuan didn''t lower his guard.


    His expression remained indifferent, his voice as cold as winter.


    "Fellow Daoist, what is the meaning of this?"


    His tone was calm, but he already knew the answer.


    The woman sneered, her gaze filled with mockery and disdain.


    "What meaning?" she scoffed, tightening her grip on her sword. "Just die."


    Without another word, she lunged forward again.


    Yuan sneered in return.


    Instead of retreating, he charged at her head-on.


    Their swords clashed once more.


    Blades danced, steel gleamed, and the sound of metal echoed through the cave.


    They exchanged a dozen strikes,each swift, precise, and deadly.


    Yet, neither could land a decisive blow.


    Yuan, however, wasn''t frustrated.


    He wasn''t fighting to kill her.


    He was thinking at how to gather information from her.


    But the woman? She was growing impatient.


    Her once icy expression twisted with frustration, veins popping on her forehead.


    Yuan noticed.


    A cold smirk crept onto his lips.


    Still dodging and parrying, he continued to observe her carefully, searching for weaknesses.


    The woman''s rage only grew.


    Finally, unable to endure the battle of attrition any longer, she jumped back to create space.


    But Yuan wouldn''t allow it.


    He pressed forward immediately, his sword cutting toward her exposed hand.


    The woman moved to evade, but


    Slash!


    A thin red line appeared on the back of her hand, blood seeping from the shallow wound.


    For a brief moment, there was only silence.


    Then


    "YOU DARE TO WOUND ME?!"


    The woman''s voice erupted in fury, her rage finally reaching its peak.


    At that instant, her full cultivation was revealed


    Bone Forging Stage. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yuan''s eyes flickered with calm realization.


    Bone Forging, huh?


    He had expected worse. If she had been at the Marrow Essence Stage, he would have already turned and fled.


    But Bone Forging?


    He could handle this.


    Still, he kept his expression neutral, not revealing even a hint of his relief.


    Instead, he smiled coldly.


    "Why should I not dare?"


    His words only fueled her anger further.


    Her crystal blue sword began to pulse with cold spiritual essence, the temperature in the cave plummeting instantly.


    A layer of frost spread across her wound, freezing the blood solid.


    With a ferocious roar, she lifted her sword, her eyes burning with murderous intent.


    "DIE!"


    And then


    She attacked once more.

 Costly Miscalculation

    Yuan''s azure black eyes sharpened, their glow intensifying as he fully committed himself to the fight. The once testing exchanges had ended now, every movement was a matter of survival. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The blue haired woman, her expression twisted with anger and disdain, stared him down.


    The atmosphere grew colder, the frost emanating from her crystal sword spreading rapidly. In an instant, the wound on her hand froze over, sealing itself shut.


    Yet, the woman showed no reaction, as if such unnatural cold was the most normal thing in the world.


    Yuan stopped playing games.


    His stance shifted. He no longer tried to attack carelessly,instead, he focused purely on dodging.


    After all, this was a true Bone Forging cultivator before him.


    Even though his aura trembled under the sheer pressure of her cultivation, his mind remained eerily calm.


    Fear?


    He scoffed inwardly.


    Pressure was just that,pressure.


    It could not kill him. It could not weaken his blade. It could not determine the outcome of this battle.


    Only strength could.


    But whether the woman sensed his resolve or simply ignored it,she acted.


    She raised her sword, gripping it above her shoulder, and with one fluid motion, she swung down with full force.


    Yuan knew instantly,he couldn''t dodge this.


    His speed wasn''t enough.


    His power wasn''t enough.


    His only option was to block.


    Clang!


    The swords collided, a deafening metallic screech echoing through the cave.


    Yuan''s arms trembled violently, the impact numbing his hands.


    But


    He had stopped her sword.


    If only for a moment.


    He gritted his teeth.


    Now!


    Taking full advantage of the brief pause, he lifted his leg, aiming a sharp kick at her knee to destabilize her stance.


    But


    Crack!


    His sword began to crack.


    Shit.


    A heartbeat later


    Snap!


    The blade shattered, its broken half flying through the air.


    His kick landed, but


    Pain exploded through his leg.


    The woman barely staggered, her strength overwhelming.


    And now,with his broken sword and weakened stance,he was completely exposed.


    The remnant of her blade came hurtling straight for his stomach.


    Yuan poured all his remaining strength into his left leg, forcing his body to step back in a desperate attempt to dodge.


    And,he barely managed to evade.


    But not unscathed.


    The tip of the woman''s sword grazed his robe, slicing through the fabric with terrifying ease. A thin, shallow cut appeared on his chest, and almost instantly


    A chilling sensation spread through the wound.


    Frost.


    His eyes widened.


    This wasn''t healing frost,this was a trap.


    She was freezing his blood from the inside out, aiming to weaken his organs, to slowly paralyze him until he became helpless.


    Dangerous!


    Yuan reacted immediately, his red aura surging to life, wrapping around the wound. The ice struggled against the regenerative energy, but the moment his aura flared stronger, the frost vanished.


    No time to focus on healing.


    Because the woman attacked again.


    Yuan dodged, twisting his body to avoid the sharp, relentless strikes.


    But he wasn''t fast enough.


    Small cuts appeared all over his arms, shoulders, and torso.


    Thin at first,then deeper.


    His body screamed in pain, the wounds stinging like fire and ice combined.


    The cold seeped into his limbs, and for the first time, his movements slowed.


    His mind raced, calculating ways to end this fight.


    His spiritual blood reserves, nearly exhausted.


    His stamina dangerously low.


    It was a miracle he had lasted this long against a Bone Forging cultivator.


    Tch. He truly underestimated her.


    His azure black eyes darkened,rage flickering behind his gaze.


    Enough.


    If she wanted to kill him so badly¡­


    Then he would burn her to ashes.


    Yuan tightened his grip on his broken sword, forcing every last bit of his spiritual blood into his legs.


    He abandoned the Wind Cutter Slash technique,there was no point in conserving energy now.


    He had only one option left.


    Unleash the Azure Basilisk Flames.


    The woman''s relentless assault continued, a rain of deadly sword strikes.


    Yuan''s body moved on instinct, dodging what he could,but at this point, he was completely overwhelmed.


    She was stronger.She was faster.She had more stamina.


    If only¡­


    If only he had transformed more of his spiritual blood before taking this mission.


    If only he had a true weapon instead of this damned broken sword.


    If only he had...


    No.


    No more excuses.


    No more hesitation.


    Yuan pushed his body beyond its limits, pouring every last drop of his remaining energy into his movements.


    His spiritual blood surged, flowing through his legs like a raging river, fueling his every step with desperate precision.


    Without it he would have died countless times already.


    Every attack from the woman''s crystal blue sword came closer, the biting frost grazing his skin, leaving behind small, freezing wounds that stung like needles piercing his flesh.


    But he refused to fall.


    His mind roared, his instincts screamed,survive.


    He had no strength left to fight head on.


    But he could still move.


    Still dodge.


    Still outlast her.


    Even if his body screamed in agony, even if his breath came out ragged and short.


    He would not fall.


    Yuan contemplated using the Azure Basilisk Flames, he finally started paying attention to the blue haired woman''s words,words he had ignored up until now. His sole focus had been on the fight, but now, he needed to stall for time to fully manifest his flames.


    "Tsk, still not speaking? If you''d just damn stop for one fucking moment, I would have already killed you, you damn bastard!" The woman''s furious voice echoed through the room.


    Throughout the entire fight, he had barely landed a single hit on her,aside from that one minor wound on her backhand.


    Yuan suddenly smiled.


    For the first time, he showed a visible reaction to her taunts.


    Seeing this, the woman halted her attacks, an arrogant smirk forming on her lips. Her proud gaze locked onto him, radiating absolute confidence.


    "Heh, finally reacting near your end? Well, since you''re already at death''s door, is there something you''d like to say, brat?"


    She spoke with unshakable confidence, convinced of her imminent victory.


    But Yuan had already spotted his opportunity.


    Beneath his sleeve, he silently began to manifest the Azure Basilisk Flames, carefully hiding the glow so she wouldn''t notice.


    Yuans right hand, hidden beneath his sleeve, began to feel the comforting warmth of the Azure Basilisk Flame as it slowly transformed into a flaming snake, coiling around his arm, waiting to be unleashed.


    At the same time, he acted the part,his bright smile widening as he let out an exhausted sigh.


    "Indeed, I stand at death''s door," he said, his voice carrying a tired, weary tone.


    "Who would have thought¡­ I''d meet someone at the Bone Forging Stage here? Haa¡­ the heavens have already sealed my fate in your hands."


    With resignation painted across his face, Yuan lowered his sword completely, his posture shifting to one of defeat. His will to fight seemed to disappear, leaving him looking like a man who had given up on life.


    Seeing this, the blue haired woman''s smirk widened.


    She snorted, looking down at him with mockery and disdain.


    "So even a rat knows when to stop struggling. Pathetic. You should have bowed the moment you laid eyes on me."


    She exhaled sharply, flipping her crystal blue sword in her grip.


    "Surviving this long is already a miracle beyond the heavens. When you reach the afterlife, you can proudly announce that you died at my hands."


    She sneered.


    "Since you''re being obedient in your final moments, I''ll grant you a parting gift,a final piece of advice.The next time you want to learn something," her voice grew sharp, filled with scorn, "be sure not to offend someone more powerful than you."


    Her eyes turned cold, her tone dripping with mocking amusement.


    "With that, you may die with a peaceful soul."


    With those final words, the blue haired woman lunged forward, gripping her sword tightly.


    Her killing intent surged, and she dashed at him, aiming for the fatal blow.


    Yuan''s mind remained cold and indifferent as he listened to her speech.


    But his body?


    His body trembled.


    The moment she charged at him, his eyes shook slightly, his expression flickering with a hint of fear.


    The woman didn''t hesitate.


    She didn''t care about his fear,only his death.


    And just as her sword was about to pierce his chest


    Yuan''s mind snapped into action.


    A small, hidden part of his consciousness, the part that had been waiting for this very moment, moved his body like a well rehearsed play.


    First, Yuan took a fast step, using the last remnants of spiritual essence in his spiritual blood to channel it toward his right arm. At the same time, his entire red aura surged, converging into a single point in his arm.


    The moment the crystal blue sword came slashing down, Yuan raised his right arm to block it.


    A sharp tearing sound filled the air as the blade sliced into his flesh.


    Blood splattered, and a deep wound formed, the sword embedding itself into his arm.


    For a split second, the blue haired woman''s eyes flickered with confusion.


    Then


    His right sleeve burst open.


    A wave of azure flames erupted from his arm, rushing straight toward her.


    With only centimeters between them, she couldn''t react in time.


    The flames latched onto her robe.


    FWOOSH!


    The Robe ignited in patches first, small embers formed. Then, they spread. Then, they devoured


    The once majestic fabric turned into nothing but embers, revealing her devilish curves beneath.


    But as she Realized this,it was already too late


    there was no time for embarrassment.


    No time to be flustered.


    Because


    The flames didn''t stop at her clothing.


    The moment the fabric turned to ash, the azure fire shifted and twisted, forming into a serpentine shape


    A burning azure snake.


    It wrapped around her body, coiling like a living creature, and then


    It began to burn.


    "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"


    A piercing scream echoed through the cave.


    The woman collapsed to the ground, writhing in pure agony, her hands gripping her own body, trying desperately to extinguish the flames.


    The Azure Basilisk Flames did not just burn.


    They devoured.


    It was an never ending destructive flame that would only stop by its owner command.


    No water could put it out. No ordinary method could extinguish it.


    The moment the fire touched her bare skin, her shrieks turned from rage to agony.


    She stumbled backward, hands clawing at her body, desperately trying to extinguish the unquenchable fire.


    But it was useless.


    Yuan didn''t move.


    He didn''t smirk.


    He didn''t mock her.


    He simply stared, his azure eyes watching her suffering with eerie indifference.


    Even as his own blood spilled onto the cave floor.


    The crystal blue sword embedded in his arm began to freeze his flesh, icy energy spreading like veins of frost, threatening to consume his entire limb.


    No pain. No hesitation. No fear.


    His eyes, once black with a hint of azure, now glowed pure azure, shimmering with an inhuman coldness.


    Without a single change in expression, he reached for the handle of the crystal sword.


    And then


    With one swift motion, he ripped it from his own arm.


    SPLAT.


    more Blood splattered onto the cave floor.


    His wound remained open, but even as the freezing energy tried to spread, Yuan''s red aura surged, beginning to fight off the cold.


    His expression never wavered.


    Pure indifference.


    It was as if he felt nothing at all.


    The blue haired woman continued to scream, her voice raw with agony, as she rolled on the ground, thrashing in desperation.


    But after just a minute, her struggles faded.


    The woman''s screams finally faded into silence.


    Her body stopped moving.


    And then, silence


    If Yuan didn''t know better, he would have thought she was dead.


    But he knew the truth.


    She wasn''t dead.


    She had simply lost the will to live,crushed by the overwhelming pain of the Azure Basilisk Flame.


    Her breath was faint, her body twitching slightly, but her mind was shattered. She had lost


    "Tsk."


    Yuan clicked his tongue, his azure eyes flickering before slowly shifting back to their usual black azure hue.


    For a brief moment, his mind staggered as if waking from a trance.


    Then


    A sharp wave of pain coursed through his entire body.


    He gritted his teeth, but the ache throbbed relentlessly, every cut and wound reminding him of the brutal battle.


    Yet, amid the pain, his gaze fell upon the motionless woman lying before him.


    The once proud cultivator, now charred and broken, her body wrapped in fading azure flames,twisting and coiling like a serpentine entity.


    Without hesitation, Yuan raised his right hand.


    The azure flames responded immediately, detaching from the woman''s body, slithering through the air like a living serpent before returning to his palm.


    As the flames merged back into his hand, Yuan willed his red aura to flow over his injured arm, slowly closing the gaping wound left by the crystal sword.


    Meanwhile, his left hand remained firm,gripping the crystal blue sword that once belonged to the woman.


    The quasi spiritual weapon was now in his possession.


    Yuan exhaled slowly, his voice barely above a whisper, hoarse with exhaustion.


    "I won."


    His vision blurred. His legs felt like they belonged to someone else. And yet¡­ he moved forward.


    there was no time for rest.


    Step by step, he dragged himself forward,each step slow, deliberate,approaching the burned woman who now lay in ruins before him.

 Aftermath of Arrogance

    Blood dripped onto the ground with every step Yuan took, each movement sending a fresh wave of pain through his battered body.


    His countless wounds pained in protest, his limbs felt as if they were being torn apart, yet he had no choice but to grit his teeth and push forward.


    "Damn it!" Yuan cursed aloud, his voice laced with frustration.


    Although his red aura struggled to heal him, it couldn''t keep up. His body was still moving, exerting itself,and the healing required rest.


    But stopping was not an option.


    What if the blue haired woman woke up in the time he is resting?


    What if she recovered enough to kill him while he is resting?


    No.


    He had to endure.


    With painstaking effort, Yuan finally reached the unconscious woman.


    The first thing he did was secure her belongings.


    Her bag of holding was still attached to her burnt arm, the strap half melted from the flames. Without hesitation, Yuan ripped it away, breaking the weakened strings that bound it to her.


    He then tucked it into his own sleeve, securing it next to his own bag of holding.


    Only then did he allow himself to properly examine the woman before him.


    Even in her miserable state, she still had a proud figure. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her once long, blue hair was now burnt.


    Her once flawless skin,now nothing but charred blackened flesh, her entire body scorched beyond recognition.


    And yet¡­


    Her face remained almost untouched,except for her hair, her features were left intact.


    This was no coincidence.


    It was proof of something crucial.


    She had resisted the flames, pouring all her remaining strength into protecting her head.


    If her brain had suffered even the slightest damage, it would have guaranteed her death.


    She had prioritized survival,even if it meant her body was ruined.


    And so, Yuan began to analyze the extent of the damage the flames had inflicted on the woman''s inner body.


    However, just as he attempted to lower himself to his knees, his body failed him.


    His legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the ground.


    A violent cough wracked his body, and blood spilled from his lips, splattering onto the ground around the woman''s motionless form.


    For half a minute, the coughing continued, each breath sending sharp pain through his chest.


    Finally, the fit subsided, but a deep, burning ache settled in his lungs.


    "Damn it..." Yuan muttered under his breath, his hands clenching into weak fists as he struggled to steady himself.


    But the pain in his chest didn''t fade.


    Instead, it lingered, deep and relentless, reminding him just how close to death he truly was.


    "Let''s just skip worrying about the damage to her body. I''ll paralyze her first, recover, and then get my answers about this damn forest."


    With that thought, Yuan moved his trembling hand toward the woman''s upper spine, just beneath her neck.


    His fingers, sticky with his own blood, dug into her skin, pressing down on a vital point. Then, with a sharp twist, he applied as much force as his exhausted body could muster.


    Crack!


    The sound of bone shifting echoed through the silent room.


    Yuan knew that in his current state, he couldn''t completely break her spine, but for a Bone Forging cultivator, this injury would be extremely difficult to recover from. Even if she healed, it would take a long time.


    A cruel and brutal method to paralysis someone.


    But Yuan didn''t care.


    He was too tired, too battered, and too drained to concern himself with her well being.


    His recovery came first.


    "Haa¡­"


    A deep sigh escaped his lips.


    His body was at its absolute limit. Even his mind,which had pushed him this far,was now crumbling beneath the weight of exhaustion.


    He couldn''t even stand anymore.


    His eyes flickered across the room, scanning for a safe place to recover. The fight hadn''t completely destroyed the chamber, but damage was still visible,a broken bookshelf, shattered decorations, and a bit of blood splattered across the walls and floor.


    But then


    He spotted it.


    The cultivation bed.


    Untouched.


    Perfect.


    Yuan gritted his teeth and forced his broken body forward, dragging himself across the floor, crawling toward the bed like a dying animal.


    Every movement was agony.


    Each breath felt like razor blades slicing through his lungs.


    More blood spilled from his wounds, leaving deep red stains in his wake. His entire body trembled,his muscles failing him, his vision swimming.


    But after what felt like an eternity, he finally reached the bed.


    With the last remnants of his willpower, Yuan hoisted himself up, collapsing onto the bed in a half sitting, half falling motion.


    His body screamed in protest, but he ignored it.


    Summoning every ounce of strength left, he adjusted himself into a lotus position.


    Then


    He closed his eyes.


    And the moment his eyelids shut


    His mind snapped into darkness.


    Unconscious.


    Seated in lotus position, completely vulnerable, his body was now left unprotected.


    But Yuan was too exhausted to realize it.


    And so, an entire week passed.


    During this time, nothing happened in the Lifeless Region of the Thirty Plants Forest or inside the cave where Yuan and the woman lay unconscious.


    Everything remained eerily peaceful.


    Neither Yuan nor the woman awakened during this time.


    However, compared to his previous state, Yuan''s body had improved significantly. The numerous cuts that once marred his skin had vanished, leaving behind only scars.


    But


    One wound remained.


    The deep gash from the Crystal Blue Sword on his right arm had not healed.


    More time passed.


    Another week slipped by.


    And then


    At the beginning of the third week, the woman finally woke up.


    She lay motionless on the cold, hard ground.


    As she opened her eyes, her vision blurred, the rough stone floor filling her sight.


    Instinctively, she tried to move her body


    But failed.


    Her mind, still foggy with exhaustion, struggled to process what was happening.


    Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.


    Then, as her head shifted slightly, a sudden and agonizing pain shot through her spine, making her eyes widen in shock.


    Gritting her teeth, she endured the pain and summoned every ounce of strength left in her body, forcing herself to look around.


    And that''s when she saw him.


    A young man sat in lotus position on the cultivation bed, his body still like a statue.


    He looked to be around 13 or 14 years old, with dark, shoulder length hair. His green robe, though intact, was damaged and torn, covered in dried blood. The fabric was ripped open in several places, revealing his chest and numerous healed scars.


    At first, she simply stared at him.


    The more she looked at his face, the more a sense of familiarity grew within her.


    Had she met him before?


    That was the only thought that flickered through her mind before


    It all came rushing back.


    Her paralyzed body trembled.


    Her breathing quickened.


    Her eyes darted frantically around the room.


    Fear.


    A deep, suffocating fear settled in her chest as she finally realized what had happened.


    She remembered the fight.


    She remembered the pain.


    She remembered his flames.


    The Azure Flames that had burned her alive.


    And then


    A scream.


    A loud, horrifying, gut-wrenching scream ripped from her throat as the memory of the excruciating pain flooded back into her mind.


    "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"


    The loud cry echoed through the Lifeless Region, piercing the otherwise silent surroundings.


    Yet, it did not travel beyond the region.


    Still, it was loud enough to rouse someone from the depths of deep slumber.


    Yuan''s eyelids trembled before he slowly opened his eyes.


    His azure black gaze flickered with clarity as he gradually regained awareness.


    The first thing he did was look at his right arm


    Only to see that it was mostly recovered.


    His spiritual blood and body had already healed long ago, leaving only his right arm in a weakened state.


    Yet, even now, his entire body ached, a deep pain pulsing through his bones.


    Yuan closed his eyes again, taking a deep breath as the Azure Basilisk Flames ignited between his eyebrows.


    With practiced control, he inhaled the flames, guiding them inward, allowing them to assess his internal injuries.


    Inside his body, his meridians, bones, and muscles were nearly healed from the severe wounds sustained in the battle against the blue haired woman.


    A sigh of relief escaped his lips.


    "I''m close to a full recovery."he thought.


    And with that, he finally opened his eyes


    His gaze landing on the woman.


    Yuan''s lips curled into a smirk.


    He leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze locking onto the woman''s trembling form.


    With a calm, almost gentle tone, he spoke.


    "Heh, now¡­ will you answer a few questions?"


    His smile widened, his voice laced with mockery.


    "Or will you reject this kind offer of mine?"


    Although his words sounded kind, the underlying threat in his tone was undeniable.


    The woman did not respond.


    She remained silent, her entire body shaking.


    Her eyes, still filled with terror, flickered with confusion.


    She was unable to process what was happening.


    Her mind was blank,paralyzed by the memory of pain.


    Instinctively, her body trembled.


    Even when Yuan had closed his eyes earlier, she had not dared to move.


    Observing her state, Yuan understood the situation.


    "This woman still isn''t in her right mind yet," he mused.


    "She must still be recovering from the trauma of the Azure Flames."


    His eyes darkened as he watched her lay there in fear, her breath shallow, her gaze hollow.


    And as time passed, Yuan''s mind drifted


    Recalling every moment of the battle they had fought in this very room.


    The entire fight had been a failure.


    He had clearly underestimated Bone Forging stage cultivators,severely.


    And not just by a little.


    He had no chance against them in a direct battle.


    They were faster, stronger, and had far greater spiritual blood.


    Every option he had for fighting was already blocked the moment the battle had truly begun.


    And that, in itself, was a weakness.


    He had overestimated his own power!


    As realization struck, a wave of anger surged within Yuan.


    "Why did I do something this foolish?"


    He clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly with frustration.


    "I became too arrogant!I acted as if I were some all powerful being¡­ but that is not the case.I''m still just an new advanced blood purification stage cultivator."


    His azure black eyes darkened as his thoughts continued.


    Yes, he had the memories of the young master of the Azure Dragon Clan,Basilisk.


    And it was through Basilisk''s experience that he had walked the path of cultivation.


    But in the end¡­


    What had he really accomplished?


    Had he truly used those memories to his advantage?


    Or had he just been coasting on borrowed knowledge?


    A new question surfaced in his mind.


    "Why haven''t I truly used Basilisk''s memories until now?"


    For a moment, uncertainty filled his heart.


    And then¡­


    He realized the answer.


    The memories of Basilisk were not useful at the early stages of his cultivation.


    Basilisk had been a demonic beast.


    As an infant, he had no real intelligence,only instincts.


    He had only awakened his true intelligence at the Bone Forging stage.


    Only at that time had he been able to develop techniques, understand the powers, and refine his control over his abilities.


    That was the key difference.


    Yuan had knowledge¡­ but not the cultivation level to apply it fully.


    And that was something he needed to change.


    But the more he thought about it, the more that thought faded from his mind, replaced by a new realization.


    He began to analyze his actual strength.


    His raw strength, without using the Azure Basilisk Flame, was at the Peak Meridian Awakened Stage.


    He could fight against someone of that level and his battle with this woman had proven that.


    However, the moment she tried to truly kill him, the difference between their power levels became painfully clear.


    He was too slow.He was too weak.And his spiritual blood reserves were far too low to sustain a long fight against a Bone Forging Stage cultivator.


    With that in mind, Yuan came to a conclusion.


    "I should only attempt to fight a Bone Forging cultivator when I reach the Peak of Blood Purification Stage."


    This thought settled in his mind, bringing a sense of clarity.


    A deep sigh escaped his lips as he opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling.


    Disappointment washed over him.


    His strength was not enough.


    No¡­ it was far from enough.


    Time passed as he processed this realization.


    By his estimation, he had spent at least ten hours thinking,perhaps even more.


    Not that it mattered.


    He had no way of knowing exactly how long he had been in this cave.


    But as he turned his gaze toward the woman, something changed.


    The fear that had once dominated her expression was gone.


    Instead¡­


    Her eyes burned with anger, laced with arrogance.


    And beneath that¡­ a hint of pride.


    Yuan smiled at this.


    His azure black eyes locked onto hers as he spoke, his voice calm yet commanding.


    "So¡­ shall we begin our talk?"

 Questioning the Woman

    "So¡­ shall we begin our talk?"


    Silence dominated the room after Yuan spoke, but the woman remained silent, glaring at him like an angry dog, baring its fangs yet too weak to bite.


    "Hehehehe¡­"


    Seeing the tension in their situation, Yuan chuckled softly, his lips curling into an amused smirk. Slowly, he lifted his left hand and pointed his index finger at the woman.


    The woman furrowed her brows, confused by his sudden gesture. But as Yuan caught her puzzled expression, his amusement only deepened, and his chuckle grew louder.


    "Hehehehehe¡­"


    His azure black eyes gleamed with pure entertainment, as if he were watching a helpless prey trapped in his grasp. Then, without another word, a faint azure flicker ignited at the tip of his finger.


    The woman''s breath hitched.


    The flicker of light grew, small at first, barely visible, but with each passing second, it expanded. The soft glow intensified, transforming into a small azure flame, swirling gently at the tip of his finger.


    Then, it began to change.


    The flame stretched, twisting into a thin, snake-like form. It elongated, coiling and thickening, its body pulsing with deep blue flickers as if mirroring the breath of a living creature.


    Within moments, the tiny flame had become a long, writhing serpent, slithering effortlessly around Yuan''s entire arm, its head raised, its flickering eyes burning with an unnatural intelligence.


    The moment the azure basilisk flame finished its transformation, its glowing gaze locked onto the woman''s reptilian eyes.


    The woman, who had been watching the entire process, froze.


    Her pupils contracted, and an overwhelming dread overtook her. The cold arrogance in her expression shattered, replaced by pure terror.


    She knew. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She understood the deadly power of this flame.


    Her body trembled uncontrollably, her breath came in ragged gasps, and her mind screamed in fear.


    Yuan, watching her reaction, found himself utterly amused.


    He let out another low chuckle, his voice filled with mocking delight.


    Then, he asked again, his tone eerily casual,as if he weren''t threatening her very existence.


    "So¡­ shall we begin the information exchange?"


    Hearing Yuan''s voice, the woman snapped back to reality, her breathing still uneven. She looked at him once again, but her gaze constantly flickered between Yuan and the azure flame serpent coiling around his arm. Her expression was wary, her body tense with fear.


    "O-Okay¡­" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.


    But Yuan didn''t care for her fear. If anything, her reaction amused him even more, and his smile widened.


    "Hahaha, good, good. Let''s begin, then. My first question,who are you?"


    The woman swallowed hard, her throat dry. "I¡­ I am Wu Shen."


    Yuan nodded, his expression unreadable. "Oh, Wu Shen, is it? What a fine name. Well then, may I ask are you a member of the Wu family of the Seven Peak Mist Mountain?"


    At this question, Wu Shen hesitated for a moment before nodding her head. A flicker of pride crossed her face, albeit briefly.


    Yuan chuckled. "Hahaha, so you belong to the Wu family. What a fortunate meeting. I''ve met a few people from your family before¡­ I even recall meeting a young master, I think." His voice carried a teasing tone, but his eyes remained cold. "Now, tell me, fellow Daoist Wu Shen,what exactly are you doing here in the Thirty Plants Forest? If I remember correctly, your Wu family doesn''t hold any territory here¡­ or perhaps, are you acting under the orders of the Third Grand Elder Wu?"


    Wu Shen''s face stiffened slightly, but she eventually nodded. "Yes, I came here under the elder''s orders¡­ to complete an errand for him."


    Yuan smirked, tilting his head. "Oh? An errand for the Third Grand Elder, is it? That must be something quite important. However¡­" his tone sharpened, and the azure basilisk flame flickered ominously, "as I am currently investigating the Thirty Plants Forest, I must, unfortunately, ask you to share the details of your task. Otherwise, I will have no choice but to report this to the Sect Head."


    A bead of sweat rolled down Wu Shen''s forehead. Her breathing grew heavier, her nervousness evident. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke.


    "It¡­ it''s nothing important. Fellow Daoist can naturally know about it." She paused before continuing, "Inside my bag of holding, there is a small white sealed cup. Inside it is a powder known as Powdered Bone Essence. Fellow Daoist can check if I speak the truth!I am just here to take it and then give it to the Elder!"


    Her words came out rushed, as if she was eager to prove her innocence.


    Yuan''s eyes glowed slightly as he processed her words.


    Powdered Bone Essence¡­?


    Hearing about Powdered Bone Essence, Yuan was a bit surprised. After all, Powdered Bone Essence was an uncommon resource, highly beneficial for newly advanced Bone Forging stage cultivators. Naturally, he was intrigued.


    A subtle smile formed on his lips as he reached into Wu Shen''s bag of holding, carefully opening it.


    As he searched inside, Yuan quickly found the small white sealed cup she had mentioned. However, he also discovered more than just the powder.


    Inside the bag, there were various pills Spiritual Blood Regeneration Pills, Wound Healing Pills, and even a few Spiritual Essence Attraction Pills!


    While none of these were particularly rare, they were extremely useful, especially the Spiritual Essence Attraction Pills.


    "These could help me reach at least 10% into the Blood Purification stage¡­ maybe even 15%," Yuan thought to himself, his eyes gleaming slightly.


    However, for now, he pushed this thought aside and focused on the cup.


    The sealing of the small white cup was basic, nothing reinforced by runes or special techniques, just a simple wooden stick seal, similar to how mortals store powders.


    Yuan carefully examined the cup, scanning for any traps or formations. After confirming there were none, he slowly began to open the seal.


    Inside, he saw a fine grayish powder.


    His expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he was already cautious.


    From Basilisk''s memories, he knew that many powders resembled Powdered Bone Essence, so he couldn''t just trust its appearance.


    Yuan took a slight whiff of the powder from a safe distance.


    His eyes narrowed.


    "The scent is off¡­"


    If Basilisk''s memories were accurate, real Powdered Bone Essence should have a slight dried blood smell mixed with the scent of old dust.


    However, this powder¡­ smelled floral.


    A smile crept onto Yuan''s lips.


    "This is definitely not Powdered Bone Essence. This woman, Wu Shen, dares to play tricks on me?"


    His gaze flickered toward Wu Shen, who was watching him with a mixture of tension and hope.


    Yuan''s smile widened.


    "Interesting."


    With a slight nod, he closed the cup and turned to Wu Shen, his expression unreadable.


    "Indeed, Fellow Daoist Wu, this is without a doubt the Powdered Bone Essence! With this, I see no reason to report you to the Sect Head. Haaa¡­ The Sect Head can be truly terrifying at times. I really wouldn''t want to meet him over something minor like this. Thank the heavens I don''t have to! Hahaha!"


    His laughter filled the room as he casually waved his left hand, causing the Azure Basilisk Flame coiling around his arm to disperse into nothingness.


    "Haha, fellow Daoist Wu, I will now help you and give you the detoxification pill for the poison I used on you! Ah, and now that I know you are not an enemy, do you know what has happened to the forest and why there are no demonic beasts in the outskirts?"


    Wu Shen just sighed in relief at Yuan''s change of behavior and then nodded her head unknowingly, but then realized that she had said something wrong, and her eyes began to widen.


    Yuan then looked surprised at Wu Shen admitting that she knew something and then laughed heartily.


    "Hahaha, fellow Daoist Wu, you indeed know something about the forest situation! Well, the heavens have indeed blessed me today! Please speak, I am really curious."


    Yuan then slowly stood up from the cultivation bed and took a few steps forward, but as he began to walk, Wu Shen didn''t answer anything at all. Her face was full of panic, and she didn''t know what to do.


    "Fellow Daoist Wu, is there something you''ve been hiding from me? You don''t have to worry; I am, after all, an inner disciple of the Howling Wind Sect. I am on your side," Yuan said with a big smile on his face.


    But as she still remained silent, Yuan''s smile began to fade, slowly breaking into a cold, indifferent expression. His eyes turned sharp and emotionless as he glared at Wu Shen before stomping his foot on her back.


    "Ahhh!"


    Hearing Wu Shen cry out in pain, Yuan didn''t care as he repeatedly stomped on her. But he carefully controlled his strength, making sure not to break her body,just enough to make her feel the pain. Since she was already paralyzed, it seemed she had halfway recovered some of her nerves and could now feel it.


    "You can''t kill me! I am a member of the Wu family and the daughter of the sister of the current family head! You dare to do anything to me?" she shouted, trying to threaten him with her family status.


    But Yuan just snorted at this.


    "I don''t dare to kill you? You, from a lowly, lowest-rank clan that nobody really cares about? And here, in a place where no one would even notice? Do you think you are royalty from the Imperial Wang family? Heh, woman, don''t push your status too high. You are a nobody, and your clan is so unimportant that nobody would care whether it existed or not. So tell me what you know, or I''ll give you a second round with my azure snake."


    Wu Shen''s eyes widened, her body trembled in fear. Lowest-rank clan? Her clan is the lowest rank? Imperial family?


    Too many things she couldn''t understand, but one thing was clear,he would definitely dare to kill her. And that terrified her the most.


    As she remained silent, Yuan clicked his tongue in annoyance. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned his azure basilisk flame, letting it take the form of a snake. The fiery serpent slithered around his arm before slowly descending toward her face.


    Wu Shen''s breath became erratic, her reptilian eyes filled with terror. She struggled to speak, her voice shaking.


    "Pl¡­ Please¡­ I¡­ I will¡­ T-Talk¡­"


    Yuan just snorted.


    "Then speak."

 Truth of the forest

    AN (IMPORTANT!):


    Hey, LazyRedMoon here!


    I''ve decided to make a small adjustment to the worldbuilding of the Realm. While it''s not a major change, I wanted to clarify that the world consists of both a Lower Plane and a Higher Plane.


    The Illusion Forest, where Yuan originally lived, is actually part of the Higher Plane. When he "fell," he wasn''t simply leaving the Illusion Forest,he was teleported down to the Lower Plane instead. From there, he later arrived at Icen Barony.


    So, moving forward, just think of it this way: Yuan was transported to the Lower Realm, not merely out of the Illusion Forest!


    Thanks for reading, and I appreciate your support!


    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    "Good girl. Now... start from the beginning." Yuan said with a smile on his face, waiting for Wu Shen to speak.


    "Th-The Elder ordered me to come here and f-find the Powdered Bone Essence from one of the corpses of a Bone Forging demonic beast in the c-core region! A-And when I was searching, I found the snake corpse! From the information I had, I thought that the Powdered Bone Essence came from the very snake that terrorized the villagers! That''s all I know! Yes, that''s all!"


    Hearing this, Yuan''s smile faded. Annoyance crept into his gaze. Did she really think he wouldn''t see through her pathetic lies? Did she think he didn''t already know what she was?


    Clicking his tongue, Yuan''s voice grew sharp, his patience wearing thin.


    "Why are you still lying?" His voice carried a dangerous edge, his tone dripping with irritation. "Do you truly believe I''d fall for this bullshit? A snake corpse? Powdered Bone Essence? Do you take me for a fool?" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His gaze darkened as he leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers with cold amusement.


    "You are clearly a half demonic beast." He scoffed. "You didn''t even bother to hide your reptilian eyes. Did you think I wouldn''t notice?"


    Yuan''s lips curled into a sneer. "And looking at you... your human bloodline is dominant. If I''m right, you must have no more than 10% demonic beast blood at most. That means¡­ only your eyes show traces of your lineage, while the rest of you is painfully human."


    His smirk widened, his voice laced with mockery.


    "Now tell me¡­ with that kind of appearance, do you really think I wouldn''t consider the possibility that you,not the snake,are the true beast that terrorized the village?"


    Yuan''s words struck like a blade.


    Wu Shen''s body tensed. A flicker of panic flashed in her eyes. She opened her mouth but no words came.


    Yuan''s irritation deepened.


    "Tch. Annoying."


    Without another word, he flicked his fingers.


    The azure snake of flames slithered behind her, its flickering body moving with a mind of its own. Before Wu Shen could react, a sharp, burning pain spread across her back.


    "Ahhhhhh!!!"


    She let out a piercing scream, her body convulsing slightly despite her paralysis. The sensation of her skin slowly burning, little by little, made her eyes roll back in agony.


    Minutes passed.


    Then, just as she thought the pain would consume her, it stopped.


    Yuan let out a bored sigh.


    "So, do you want to tell the truth now?" His voice was calm, almost indifferent.


    "We can do this all day, Wu Shen. I have time."


    His sharp azure black eyes gleamed in the dim light as he leaned slightly closer, his smirk returning.


    "Though, I do hope you enjoy pain."


    He tilted his head, observing her trembling form. "Because if you don''t start talking¡­"


    The azure snake coiled tighter, its flames flickering ominously.


    "You''ll soon learn the meaning of true agony."


    Wu Shen''s body shuddered.


    Fear. True fear.


    Yet, Yuan''s eyes narrowed slightly in annoyance.


    Tch. Why is she only fearing me now?


    He had thought he had already broken her mind. But it seemed¡­ he had not.


    "I-I will speak! N-No more p-pain, please!" Wu Shen''s weak, trembling voice barely escaped her lips.


    Yuan clicked his tongue in irritation.


    "Then speak already," he said, his tone laced with impatience.


    "Yes! Yes! I will speak! I will speak!" Wu Shen cried out desperately, her words tumbling over each other. "The Elder ordered me to create a disturbance in the Thirty Plants Forest¡­ to force the Howling Wind Sect to send disciples to investigate! Then, I was supposed to kill them, one by one, until a core disciple from our family arrived¡­ That way, they could earn some reputation."


    Her breathing quickened as she rushed to explain. "As for why I had to do this, or who was meant to complete the mission in the end¡­ I don''t know! Really! I swear I don''t!"


    Yuan narrowed his eyes.


    Hmm¡­ So, this is just a simple mission manipulation.


    It wasn''t that big of a deal,yet.


    But things would become far more complicated once he killed her.


    If he returned and claimed he found nothing, sooner or later, more disciples would be sent to investigate. And when they did, they''d realize that the ''demonic beast'' was gone.


    Then, the Third Grand Elder himself would step in.


    After all, someone had interfered with his scheme.


    And once that happened¡­ he''d start investigating every single person who had entered the forest.


    Yuan let out a slow breath.


    So¡­ what should I do?


    His mind churned through the possibilities, weighing his options carefully. But he pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind for now.


    For the moment, there was something else he wanted to know.


    His sharp gaze locked onto Wu Shen once more.


    "Say¡­ why is a half demonic beast mind so clear?" His voice was calm, but curiosity flickered in his eyes. "From what I know, no half-demonic beast is capable of rational thought until they reach the Marrow Essence stage. So how is that possible?"


    This was a genuine question.


    Half demonic beasts with dominant human bloodlines weren''t unheard of. But that was only possible in the higher planes.


    Not here in the lower plane.


    So how?


    Wu Shen''s face paled even further, her entire body stiffening. Her nerves tightened. She hesitated for a moment before stammering out a response.


    "I-I c-can''t say¡­ I-It''s too m-much of a s-secret of our f-family¡­" She shuddered violently. "I t-took an Oath of Heavens¡­ I c-can''t speak of it to an o-outsider."


    Tears welled in her eyes, streaming down her charred face.


    Yuan sighed.


    An Oath of Heavens¡­


    Now, this was a real problem.


    No one could break an Oath of Heavens.


    Not even Basilisk at his strongest.


    Not even the peak old monsters who had lived for thousands of years.


    Before the Heavens, everyone was an ant.


    But¡­


    She could still be lying.


    Yuan''s expression darkened slightly. If she was lying, he''d find out soon enough.


    Without another word, he snapped his fingers.


    The Azure Snake slithered forward once more, its flickering flames casting eerie shadows against the cave walls.


    Wu Shen tensed immediately. Her breath hitched, her body trembling violently.


    Just the sight of the flame made her mind spiral into terror.


    Yuan smirked.


    She''s already traumatized.


    Perfect.


    "Ahhhhhh!!!" Wu Shen screamed again, her voice raw with agony as the flames lightly burned her back.


    Minutes passed.


    Then hours.


    The cycle of pain and silence repeated over and over.


    Until finally¡­


    She broke.


    Tears streamed down her face.


    Her voice cracked.


    And one by one, the secrets of the Wu family spilled from her lips.


    As a main branch member, she had taken fewer Oaths of Heavens than others.


    And so¡­


    Yuan learned about the Wu family.


    He learned many things.


    And the more he heard¡­


    The more amused he became.


    It seemed the Wu family had at least four Marrow Essence elders, and their family head was on the verge of breaking through to the next stage.


    That, in itself, was highly interesting.


    After all, once he broke through, he would become the strongest cultivator in the Seven Peak Mist Mountains within the human lower-plane domain.


    If that happened¡­


    The balance between the Seven Sects and the Five Families would be shattered.


    This was important information,information that could change the power structure of the entire region.


    But that wasn''t the only thing Yuan had uncovered.


    When he asked about the so called "Powdered Bone Essence," Wu Shen had finally confessed the truth.


    It was a deception.


    Something the Wu family had created.


    Clouding Powder.


    Its effect?


    At first glance, it smelled exactly like Powdered Bone Essence.


    But if someone inhaled it for long enough, it would cloud their thoughts, leading them to make false decisions.


    Hearing this, Yuan''s expression darkened.


    A subtle, yet dangerous trick.


    Still, he couldn''t help but ask


    "Why didn''t it work on me?"


    Wu Shen hesitated but eventually answered, "You weren''t close enough to inhale the full effect."


    Yuan frowned.


    But after a moment of reflection¡­


    He realized something.


    His thoughts had indeed felt a little strange after smelling the Clouding Powder.


    It wasn''t enough to control him¡­ but there had been a subtle influence.


    "Interesting¡­"


    For the first time, Yuan became genuinely intrigued by the powder''s production.


    And, surprisingly¡­


    It was simple to make.


    It only required a few common herbs, but the main ingredient was what truly mattered.


    To create Clouding Powder, one needed Blood essence from a Bone Forging demonic beast Finely ground bone powder from the same beast


    These two components mimicked the scent and texture of real Powdered Bone Essence.


    Yuan smirked.


    Clever.


    However¡­


    "I can make it even better."


    Although he already knew of stronger mind affecting substances, they were too expensive to create at his current level.


    For now, this Clouding Powder was an excellent tool.


    With this, Yuan had learned everything he needed from Wu Shen.


    And that meant¡­


    She no longer had any value.


    His gaze drifted to her bag of holding.


    Without hesitation, he rummaged through it, taking every pill that was useful to him.


    Naturally, he also picked up the quasi spiritual cystal blue sword.


    But after a long, frustrating moment of thought¡­


    He sighed and abandoned the idea of taking it.


    His heart clenched at the loss, but carrying such a weapon would only bring unnecessary trouble.


    He would obtain something better in the future.


    And then, just as he was about to kill her.


    An idea struck him.


    A way to still make use of Wu Shen.


    His eyes began to gleam with azure of this new plan forming in his mind.


    With that decision, he swiftly turned away, stepping out of the cave.


    Then, without a single glance back, he left the Lifeless Region behind.


    But just as Wu Shen began to feel hopeful,thinking that she might somehow make it out of this situation alive


    She saw him return.


    And he wasn''t alone.


    No¡­


    He had brought something with him.


    A Blood Fox Demonic Beast.


    It wasn''t anything too terrifying,just a newly advanced Meridian Awakening Stage beast.


    Yet, she could feel its cultivation the moment it entered the cave.


    Its spiritual pressure was raw, untamed, surging freely without even the slightest attempt to conceal it.


    Yuan, however, remained completely unbothered.


    His hand gripped the fox by its neck, holding it effortlessly despite its furious growling and struggling.


    Then, without hesitation


    He threw the beast onto the ground.


    THUD!


    The fox let out a sharp snarl, only for Yuan to strike it down in one smooth motion, knocking it unconscious with ease.


    And then, before Wu Shen could even process what was happening


    He walked toward her next.


    She barely had a moment to react before


    THUD!


    Her vision blurred.


    The last thing she saw was a pair of cold, glowing azure eyes staring down at her with absolute indifference.


    And then


    Darkness.


    She was left confused. Puzzled. Clueless about what was about to happen to her.


    Meanwhile, Yuan stood over both the unconscious Wu Shen and the Blood Fox Demonic Beast.


    His expression remained calm, calculating, unreadable.


    Slowly, he reached into his sleeve, retrieving a small knife,its blade sharp and gleaming under the dim light of the cave.


    Without hesitation


    He pressed the blade against Wu Shen''s flesh and drew blood.


    Scarlet droplets dripped onto the cold stone floor, forming a small puddle.


    But Yuan didn''t stop there.


    With practiced precision, he began to use her blood to draw.


    Circles.


    Runes.


    Symbols.


    Intricate, patterns took form beneath his fingers, flowing together with a beauty that was almost mesmerizing.


    Even though no one was awake to witness it¡­


    If someone had seen this moment


    They wouldn''t have understood it.


    No one would.


    Because this wasn''t just some meaningless bloodstain on the ground.


    A beautiful yet eerie painting, woven together in an elegant yet unfathomable design.


    It resembled an altar.


    A dark, sacrilegious altar.


    Stained with the blood of a Bone Forging cultivator.


    An altar that seemed to call out to something.


    Something cruel.


    Something wicked.


    Something that should never be touched.


    And yet Yuan continued his work.


    Unfazed.


    Unbothered.


    His expression as cold and indifferent as ever.

 Performance of the Ritual

    Blood carved patterns and intricate circles slowly took form, resembling the presence of some ancient, evil being.


    Two eyes,identical yet unnatural,stared back from the blood stained ground.


    Each eye had four pupils, and within them lay a terrifying complexity.


    The first eye held intricate circles and runes, their meanings unfathomable.The second was lined with interwoven markings, stretching endlessly to connect at their ends, creating a divine yet sinister symmetry.The third was filled with countless ancient runes, each stroke exuding an eerie presence.And the last... a combination of all three circles, lines, and runes blended together into something beyond mortal comprehension.


    A presence began to stir.


    As Yuan continued his work, his knife danced across the blood streaked ground, carving a single circle between the two monstrous eyes, right at the center of where a forehead would be.


    A simple circle¡­ but at each end of the ring, more lines, more runes, more miniature circles formed.


    Only the very core of the circle remained untouched.


    With each precise movement of Yuan''s blade, the cave grew darker.


    The dim glow of spiritual essence vanished, swallowed by an overwhelming emptiness.


    The only thing visible now¡­


    Were those two blood red, four pupiled eyes¡­ and the ominous circle resting between their brows.


    A cold chill crawled down Yuan''s spine as he etched the final strokes.


    His azure eyes, usually indifferent, began to glow,an eerie radiance reflecting off the bloody altar.


    He whispered.


    Words that where unlistable.


    A whisper without a beginning. A whisper without an end.


    Ancient syllables, carried by breath, vanished into the air as though the cave itself devoured them.


    The moment the final whisper left his lips¡­


    Yuan rose from the ground.


    His gaze, glowing with an inhuman coldness, shifted toward Wu Shen''s motionless body.


    Without hesitation, he gripped her by the neck, dragging her lifeless form toward the very center of the blood ritual.


    There, between the monstrous four pupiled eyes, he laid her face up, forcing her empty gaze to meet the ceiling.


    Then, carefully, he positioned her arms along the carved lines,aligning her wounds with the altar''s markings.


    His blade sank deep into her palms.


    Scarlet liquid oozed, trailing from her fingertips.


    The moment her blood touched the carvings, the runes came alive.


    A slow pulse.


    A faint shimmer.


    As if something was breathing through the ritual itself.


    With the final piece in place, Yuan turned to the Blood Fox Demonic Beast, still unconscious in his grasp.


    Without hesitation, he lifted it by the throat, carrying it over to Wu Shen''s limp body.


    He dropped it directly on top of her. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With the final preparations complete, Yuan delivered a sharp strike to both Wu Shen and the Blood Fox,waking them from their forced slumber.


    Pain instantly surged through their broken bodies.


    Their eyes snapped open.


    Wu Shen''s eyes widened as she slowly became aware of her surroundings.


    She could see the ceiling of the cave¡­ not the ground.


    Her body¡­ had been moved.


    Something was wrong.


    A low, guttural growl.


    The Blood Fox had awakened.


    The moment its eyes snapped open, it snarled, attempting to move, but its body was far too exhausted.


    Yet, as it struggled, it suddenly realized something.


    It wasn''t lying on the cold ground.


    It was lying on top of something¡­ someone.


    Wu Shen.


    Its black eyes flickered with confusion.


    But before either of them could react further


    A whisphern.


    A cold, indifferent whisphern echoed though the cave.


    And in that instant, the air shifted.


    The cave''s atmosphere turned frigid, a suffocating chill creeping into their bones.


    Wu Shen hated this feeling.


    The unnatural cold.


    The suffocating darkness.


    Everything about this place was wrong.


    The Blood Fox did not hate it.


    It liked this temperature.


    Slowly¡­ its black tail swayed, moving with delight.


    It didn''t understand why the air felt so¡­ perfect.


    The ground began to glow.


    A deep, blood red light illuminated the cave, pulsating with an eerie rhythm, as if breathing.


    Neither Wu Shen nor the Blood Fox could see what was happening.


    Neither of them understood anything.


    The Blood Fox''s vision blurred.


    A strange warmth flooded its body.


    Instantly, its wounds vanished.


    Its broken flesh regenerated at an unnatural speed.


    It felt amazing.


    A cry of pure joy erupted from the fox''s mouth as it basked in the overwhelming bliss that consumed it.


    It was paradise.


    A paradise made just for it.


    Its mouth drooled, its tongue flicking out hungrily.


    Its gaze fell on Wu Shen.


    A new hunger burned in its eyes.


    Wu Shen, seeing the twisted glint in the fox''s gaze, felt her heart shatter.


    Terror engulfed her soul.


    She screamed.


    "HELP! PLEASE! SOMEONE! ANYONE! SAVE ME!!"


    Her cries echoed through the cave.


    Desperate.


    Broken.


    Hopeless.


    But


    No one answered.


    No one listened.


    Only the whispers responded.


    Soft at first.


    Then louder.


    Then endless.


    Unfathomable, incomprehensible whispers filled her mind, speaking in a language she could not grasp, could not understand, could not resist.


    They swarmed her thoughts, drilling into her skull, gnawing away at her sanity.


    Her breath hitched.


    Her pupils dilated.


    Her mind


    It was breaking.


    It was shattering.


    And just as her very soul teetered on the edge of madness


    The Blood Fox¡­


    Heard something else.


    Not whispers.


    A melody.


    A song.


    The voice of a god.


    A sound so perfect, so divine, it felt like the song of creation itself.


    The fox''s black pupils trembled, its entire being drawn to the voice, to the command hidden within the melody.


    It did not resist.


    It obeyed.


    Slowly, ever so slowly, the Blood Fox turned its head¡­


    Guided by the voice.


    Led by the melody.


    Its gaze locked onto Wu Shen''s trembling arm.


    Its mouth parted.


    And then


    It bit down.


    "AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!"


    Wu Shen''s shrieks filled the cave as the Blood Fox''s fangs tore into her flesh, sinking deep into her arm.


    Blood erupted, spilling across the glowing ritual markings.


    The fox did not hesitate.


    It did not stop.


    With each rip of its teeth, flesh tore apart.


    With each bite, it devoured.


    Its sharp fangs shredded skin, muscle, and bone, blood splattering across the ground, turning the altar into a twisted masterpiece of agony.


    To the fox¡­


    This was the best meal it had ever tasted.


    Wu Shen watched in horror as the demonic beast began to eat her.


    Her screams pierced the cave, raw and desperate, her voice trembling with unimaginable agony.


    She begged.


    She pleaded.


    "PLEASE! HELP! SOMEONE,PLEASE!!"


    But no one came.


    No one listened.


    Her cries faded into the cold darkness.


    And the beast did not stop.


    Its fangs sank deeper, tearing into her burned flesh, ripping apart the charred remnants of her body.


    Pain.


    Unimaginable, unrelenting pain.


    Wu Shen twitched violently, her body writhing, yet she remained conscious.


    That was the worst part.


    She was still alive.


    She could feel everything.


    She could see everything.


    Her own arm¡­ gone.


    Nothing left but bare bones, stripped clean by the fox''s ravenous hunger.


    And then¡­


    It moved to the other arm.


    Tearing.


    Ripping.


    Devouring.


    Next, her legs.


    Bone snapped, flesh was shredded, and her very existence crumbled under the relentless feast.


    Wu Shen''s vision blurred.


    Her mind spiraled into madness.


    Why?


    Why must I experience this?


    Why must I endure this hell?


    Why was I am still alive?


    Why couldn''t she just die already?!


    She no longer had any will to fight.


    No will to resist.


    No will to live.


    She just wanted it to end.


    She just wanted death.


    Her torso was next.


    The beast ripped open her chest, tearing through muscle, organs, bone.


    Her body jerked, but she still felt everything.


    She remained awake, her fading mind trapped in the nightmare of her own body being consumed.


    Nothing was left but her head.


    Her once proud face was now blank.


    A hollow, empty expression.


    Her eyes lifeless, yet tears still streamed down her face, wetting the bloodstained ground.


    Yet the Blood Fox did not care.


    It did not stop.


    It had tasted something divine.


    Something beyond hunger.


    It continued.


    First, it peeled away her skin, stripping her face down to raw muscle and flesh.


    Then, it bit off her tongue, silencing her forever.


    Next, her jaw.


    Her cheeks.


    Her eyes.


    Her ears.


    Piece by piece¡­


    It ate her whole.


    Until only a bare skull remained.


    Wu Shen was dead.


    And as the Blood Fox finished its feast, something began to change.


    The blood soaked ground began to shift.


    The scattered blood that had pooled around them moved.


    It did not remain still.


    It did not dry.


    It began to rise.


    A thick, blood red mist seeped from the ground, hovering just above the surface, twisting and writhing as if alive.


    It surged forward, flooding toward the Blood Fox.


    The beast let out a low snarl, instinctively trying to resist.


    It thrashed, its claws scraping against the stone floor, its body twisting in protest.


    But the mist did not stop.


    It wrapped around the beast, coiling around its body, slithering into its open wounds.


    The Blood Fox inhaled.


    Its struggle ceased.


    The moment the blood red mist entered its body¡­


    It felt right.


    Perfect.


    Divine.


    And so


    It stopped resisting.


    It accepted it.


    And as the blood mist merged with the Blood Fox''s very being¡­


    Its body began to change.


    It grew small horns began to sprout from the top of its head, twisting upward.


    Its fangs sharpened, growing longer, more savage.


    Its once sleek black fur transformed, shifting into a deep crimson black, pulsing like flowing blood.


    Its eyes once dark and wild, now burned blood red, glowing with a newfound madness.


    Its claws extended, its muscles thickened, power surging through its veins.


    Underneath its neck, blood began to drip.


    No¡­


    Not blood.


    Something else.


    A crystal.


    Blood red.


    It formed, solidified, embedding itself within the fox''s flesh.


    Drip.


    Drip.


    The Blood Fox stood still.


    At first, the blood red crystal was small, barely visible.


    But then¡­


    It grew.


    Slowly¡­


    Steadily¡­


    Until it reached the size of a human nail.


    Then, it grew further, its height doubling, its width expanding to two centimeters.


    The once dim glow of the crystal intensified, its blood red hue growing brighter, with only faint traces of dark crimson remaining.


    The fox, feeling the completion of its transformation, cried out.


    A long, piercing howl that echoed through the lifeless cave.


    It wanted the world to know.


    To witness its rebirth.


    But the moment its howl reached its peak¡­


    A sharp, agonizing pain exploded behind its neck.


    The fox''s cry choked.


    Its body shuddered violently.


    And then it spat out blood.


    More.


    And more.


    Until, at last¡­


    Its body collapsed.


    Its once mighty form, fell upon Wu Shen''s bones, its black crimson fur drenched in blood.


    It had died.


    Just like that.


    All of this was witnessed by Yuan.


    His indifferent gaze had watched every moment.


    Every change.


    Every struggle.


    Every death.


    Even now, as the fox lay motionless, Yuan remained still.


    His voice, which had been whispering chants for the ritual, finally ceased.


    The blade in his hand, still dripping with fresh blood, slipped from his grasp, clattering onto the ground.


    sudden, violent tremor wracked his body.


    A wave of nausea surged from the depths of his stomach.


    And before he could react


    Blood.


    He vomited blood.


    His mind burned.


    A sharp, piercing pain stabbed through his skull, as if something was clawing at his consciousness.


    His eyes turned blood-red, veins bursting as thick streaks of crimson leaked from them.


    His ears began to bleed, his hearing fading into numbing silence.


    His nose, too, dripped with blood, staining his already soaked robes.


    His body trembled, every muscle screaming in agony.


    For a moment, it felt as if he was going to die right there.


    The pain subsided.


    His weakened arm, trembling yet determined, reached forward.


    His fingers curled around the blood-red crystal, still embedded in the fox''s flesh.


    And with one swift motion


    RIP!


    Yuan tore the crystal from the fox''s neck.


    Blood splattered, staining his already crimson soaked hands.


    And then¡­


    Without hesitation


    Without thought


    Without fear


    He brought the crystal to his lips.


    And swallowed it whole.


    Then the real pain began.


    Yuan''s body arched, his back slamming against the stone ground as a searing pain erupted in his chest.


    His heart twisted


    Convulsed


    Burned


    As if a thousand blades had pierced it at once.


    His hands clawed at his chest, gripping tightly, as if trying to hold himself together.


    His throat tightened, choked screams escaping through clenched teeth.


    Tears thick, red, blood soaked tears streamed down his pale face, mixing with the blood already coating his skin.


    He coughed.


    A wet, horrid sound, thick with blood and suffering.


    His body shook uncontrollably, every nerve screaming.


    The pain was everywhere.


    It was all consuming.


    It was hell.


    Hours passed¡­


    But the pain did not end.


    It continued.


    A relentless agony that tore through his body, his bones, his soul.


    Yet, something had changed.


    The pain lessened gradually, but surely.


    Hours turned to night.


    Night turned to day.


    And as the next morning arrived, Yuan''s azure eyes still burned with endurance, his body still trembling from the lingering agony.


    But beneath the pain¡­


    His organs had become harder, more resilient, pulsing with an unfamiliar strength.


    His breaths felt deeper, fresher, as if his lungs had been reborn.


    His senses had sharpened


    His ears could pick up the faintest shifts in the wind.


    His eyes saw further, clearer, piercing through the dim cave light.


    And the most shocking change of all


    His blood.


    Even after vomiting endless pools of crimson, even after coughing out more blood than any Bone Forging cultivator could survive losing,


    His body still had blood left.


    It was endless.


    As the next day fully arrived, the pain finally vanished.


    The agony, which had tormented him for countless hours, ceased.


    Yuan took a breath,his first painless breath since the ritual had begun.


    But just as he prepared to move, his body tensed.


    A sharp, sudden cough escaped his throat.


    And with it


    Blood.


    Not normal blood.


    It was different.


    Darker. Richer. Heavier.


    Its deep crimson shade carried a shadowed tint, far darker than before.


    Yuan''s gaze fell upon the thick, dark red blood pooling at his feet.


    A bloodied smile stretched across his face.


    His lips curled upward, his breath ragged, his body weak, yet his eyes gleamed with triumph.


    He knew.


    He had succeeded.


    His entire ritual,the suffering, the sacrifice


    It had worked.


    "Blood Fiend Lower Physique."


    The words left his mouth in a low, rasping whisper.


    He began to snicker.


    Despite the pain wrecking his body, despite his limbs trembling,


    He could not stop himself from laughing.


    A quiet, eerie chuckle echoed through the ruined cave.


    Then


    Yuan stood.


    Slowly. Steadily.


    His gaze swept across the room.


    The once oppressive aura had vanished, as if it had never existed.


    Everything that had once stood within this cave was now destroyed, reduced to nothing but ruins and remnants.


    The only thing left¡­


    Was the drawing.


    Two blood red eyes, each with four pupils, carved into the very foundation of the cave.


    And between their brows, at the center of the ritual circle


    The remains of Wu Shen.


    Beside it¡­


    The corpse of the demonic Blood Fox.


    Yuan''s gaze remained cold.


    Then, with a single motion of his hand,


    Fwoosh!


    An azure snake slithered from his palm.


    It flickered, twisting and coiling hungrily.


    It devoured everything.


    The flames burned away the remains, consuming bones, flesh, blood


    Leaving behind nothing.


    No traces.


    No proof.


    Until at last¡­


    The cave itself began to collapse, as if it, too, wished to erase the memory of what had occurred within its walls.


    And as the first cracks formed, Yuan turned away.


    Without a single glance back he left.

 Blood Fiend Lower Physique

    In a place where countless colored lights filled the space, shifting and swirling endlessly, the very fabric of the room seemed to change with their movement.


    Yet, amidst this ever shifting brilliance, a lone figure sat cross legged in the center, motionless as a statue.


    A figure cloaked in darkness.


    Then, as the figure''s blood red eyes slowly opened, the vibrant hues of the room began to fade. One by one, the lights dimmed, as if being devoured by the encroaching darkness.


    But just as the last traces of color were consumed, thick chains materialized from the void, shooting forward with terrifying speed, wrapping themselves around the dark figure.


    Bound by the heavy chains, the figure did not struggle.


    It did not panic.


    It had expected this.


    Silent and still, it remained unfazed.


    As the chains tightened and the darkness withdrew, the countless colored lights returned, resuming their restless dance.


    Yet, something had changed.


    The figure''s glowing crimson eyes flared, their eerie radiance consuming the room in a blood red glow.


    And in that moment, a vision appeared before it.


    A cave.


    Within the cave, two monstrous eyes were drawn onto the stone floor, each with four pupils. Between their brows lay a single circle, within which a woman and a Blood Fox lay motionless.


    Then, the fox stirred.


    And without hesitation, it sank its fangs into the woman''s flesh.


    The figure''s eyes shone even brighter, its focus sharpening as whispers stirred in the void behind it.


    Turning slightly, it saw a young man standing there.


    A boy dressed in a tattered green robe, stained with dried blood. Black hair. Azure eyes.


    The figure''s gaze lingered.


    But then, it looked deeper.


    Beyond the boy''s outward appearance.


    Beyond his very soul.


    And there¡­ it saw something.


    Yet, the figure did not react.


    It merely observed in silence, keeping its discovery to itself.


    Turning its attention back to the cave, it watched with satisfaction as the Blood Fox tore into the woman, reveling in her agony.


    Her screams.


    Her desperate pleas.


    Her final, broken expression as death claimed her.


    It savored every moment.


    And as the performance came to an end, the figure let out a pleased hum.


    A reward was in order.


    With a single glance, the dried blood scattered across the ground began to stir.


    It twisted.


    Shifted.


    Transformed.


    Thick, crimson mist rose, swirling like a living entity, slowly wrapping itself around the Blood Fox''s body.


    The Blood Fox slowly inhaled the blood mist, its body quivering as the essence seeped into its being.


    Then¡­ it began to change.


    The blood fox muscles bulged, its claws extended, and its once black fur took on a deep crimson hue, pulsing like flowing blood


    Power surged through its veins.


    And yet, despite its newfound strength, the Blood Fox did not move.


    the figure glowing crimson eyes flickered toward the green robed young man standing before it.


    In his hand, a blade gleamed.


    the figure understood instantly.


    Yet, it did not fear.


    No¡­


    It merely enjoyed the show.


    The blood.


    The pain.


    The suffering.


    So it waited.


    And as the Blood Crystal,a mark of its evolution,began to manifest within the blood fox¡äs body¡­


    The blade struck. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Swift. Precise. Unforgiving.


    The cold steel pierced the back of the Blood Fox''s neck.


    Blood Fox''s body shuddered.


    The light in its eyes flickered¡­ and died.


    A moment later, the green robed young man stepped forward, his hands steady as he reached for the fresh Blood Crystal.


    With one swift motion, he ripped it from the beast''s flesh.


    Scarlet liquid dripped between his fingers.


    And then¡­


    Without hesitation.


    Without fear.


    He swallowed it whole.


    The dark figure watched, its glowing crimson eyes narrowing in amusement.


    This boy¡­


    How entertaining.


    The moment the Blood Crystal passed his lips, the pain began.


    Agony.


    True, unrelenting agony.


    The green robed young man writhed, his body convulsing, his veins burning as though molten iron coursed through them.


    Yet, despite the suffering, despite the torment, he endured.


    He did not scream.


    He did not beg.


    He simply¡­ endured.


    The dark figure''s gaze flickered.


    It listened.


    And there it was.


    The melody.


    The melody of pain.


    The silent song of a soul drowning in torment, yet refusing to break.


    How amusing.


    But soon¡­


    The suffering ended.


    The boy''s breathing steadied. His trembling ceased. His azure eyes burned with newfound clarity.


    And at that moment, the dark figure''s interest waned.


    Its blood red eyes began to dim, its form slowly fading from the scene.


    Nothing more of note would happen.


    This show had reached its final act.


    But then¡­


    Just as the darkness began to consume its presence entirely¡­


    It saw something.


    Something that surprised it.


    Something that made it pause.


    And then¡­


    It truly vanished.


    In the colorful realm, where lights danced in an endless waltz, the dark figure slowly curled its lips into a grin.


    It had seen.


    And it was pleased.


    A low chuckle escaped cold and sharp, echoing through the boundless void.


    "Interesting."


    With those parting words, the world trembled.


    Once more, the lights shuddered.


    Once more, they felt the creeping touch of darkness.


    Fear.


    Panic.


    They scrambled, flickering wildly, trying to escape the inevitable.


    But before the shadows could fully consume the realm¡­


    Chains.


    Dozens.


    Hundreds.


    Appeared from the void, shooting forth with blinding speed.


    They coiled around the dark figure.


    They wrapped around its form, constricting it, binding it, suppressing it.


    Until¡­


    Not even its shadow remained.


    The lights stilled.


    The chaos ceased.


    And the realm¡­


    Returned to peace.


    As if nothing had ever happened.


    At the edge of the thirty plants forest Yuans began to look for a last time at the thirty plants forest and sighed.


    Yuan took one last look at the vast woodland before letting out a quiet sigh.


    "It was a good thing I came here."


    A chuckle escaped his lips, low and rough, as he thought back to how close he had come to death. But soon, his thoughts drifted elsewhere,to the ritual he had performed.


    "It''s truly possible to conduct a Blood Ritual of the God of Blood¡­ or how did those fanatics call it? The God of Life?" Yuan smirked, shaking his head. "Well, what can I say? The Thirteen Churches are truly bizarre. But even more bizarre are the rituals they created."


    His gaze darkened slightly.


    "They can even be performed in the lower plane¡­"


    A moment of silence passed before he clicked his tongue.


    "Thankfully, there isn''t even a single Church in the lower plane. But still¡­ conducting that ritual was a risk. A huge risk."


    Despite his words, his lips curled into a small grin.


    "But it was worth it. The Blood Fiend Lower Physique¡­ truly a useful physique for the path ahead. Even with its¡­ drawbacks."


    As he stood there, Yuan recounted the knowledge of the Blood Fiend Physique in his mind.


    The Blood Fiend Lower Physique had three stages of advancements.


    The Lower Stage,the weakest but also the foundation of the physique. At this stage, the user must consume the blood of a being at least one tier higher than themselves once per week. If they fail to do so, their blood flow will slow, their body will weaken, and eventually, their body temperature will drop to nothing,leading to certain death.


    The Greater Stage,a vast improvement over the Lower Stage. A Greater Blood Fiend still needed to drink the blood of a being at least one stage higher, but unlike the lower stage, they could go an entire year without consuming blood. However, if they exceeded this limit, they would perish just the same.


    Then the True Blood Fiend Stage,the peak of the physique. At this level, a True Blood Fiend could survive for 100 years without drinking a single drop of blood. But beyond that time, their strength would begin to wane. They would not die,but their power would gradually fade, their body growing weaker and weaker until they became nothing more than a frail husk of their former self.


    Yuan''s fingers twitched slightly as he pondered over the risks and rewards of the physique.


    "I payed a high price for this Physique " he murmured. "But power always comes with a cost."


    for this physique, Yuan had paid a price.


    He had sacrificed a little of his talent, for swallowing the Blood Crystal was never something meant for humans. It was an meant only for devils,demons and demonic beast.


    Yet, over countless years, there had been humans who defied this rule.


    They sought power and then created these rituals, forcing their bodies to endure the transformation into Blood Fiends. However, instead of fully becoming true Blood Fiends, these humans only managed to create an imperfect version,a Half-Blood Fiend.


    Normally, the ritual could turn one into a True Blood Fiend, but these Half Blood Fiends had devised a lower tier variation of the transformation.


    The God of Blood, amused by their ambition, had allowed it.


    He had even modified the ritual, making it possible for humans to tread this path without instantly succumbing to Madness.


    And while the Blood Fiend Lower Physique was an incomplete version of the true transformation, it still had its benefits.


    The greatest advantage was the ability to double the amount of spiritual blood a Blood Purification stage cultivator could generate.


    With such a physique, breaking through the Meridian Awakening stage and the Bone Forging stage would be significantly easier.


    The benefits faded once one reached the Marrow Essence stage.


    At that point, the Blood Fiend Lower Physique would become a shackle, limiting for further growth.


    Thus, before reaching that bottleneck¡­


    Yuan would have to advance it into the Blood Fiend Great Physique.


    But these thoughts were for the future.


    Yuan''s mind drifted back to the Crystal Blue Quasi-Spiritual Sword. He had broken it and left it somewhere at the edges of the core region of the forest. A waste of valuable materials. He sighed at the thought, but soon, another concern filled his mind,the sect.


    He had failed the mission he accepted.


    With that thought weighing on him, he turned his steps toward the village.


    Upon arrival, he greeted the familiar guards he had met before. He calmly explained that he had searched tirelessly throughout the outer regions of the forest but had found nothing. After giving his report, Yuan stated that he would go and meet Elder Rein.


    As he walked through the village, heading toward the elder''s tent, he noticed several villagers staring at him in shock. Their eyes were wide, filled with disbelief.


    Yuan ignored them.


    He continued forward without reacting, stepping toward the entrance of the tent.


    Standing before it, he called out,


    "Elder Rein, may I come in?"


    A slightly annoyed voice responded from within.


    "Yes, come in!"


    Yuan stepped inside.


    The moment Elder Rein laid eyes on him, his expression froze in shock.


    For a moment, the old man was utterly stunned. His gaze flickered across Yuan''s form, taking in the clean green robe, the lack of injuries, the calmness in his expression.


    Then, after a brief silence, Elder Rein''s lips curled into a relieved smile.


    With a respectful salute, he let out a hearty laugh.


    "Hahaha! Sir Yuan is here! Please, wait just a moment,I shall prepare tea for you immediately!"


    His voice was filled with genuine joy as he hurriedly began preparing the tea.


    "And it seems Sir Yuan is well! That must mean the demonic beast is finally dead! Thanks to the heavens! The lost souls of our village can finally rest in peace!"


    As Elder Rein began to brew the same tea he had once served before, Yuan sighed and shook his head.


    "Elder Rein, that is not true." His voice was calm, yet carried a hint of regret. "Though I spent my entire time in the outskirts of the Thirty Plants Forest, I never encountered the demonic snake-like beast. I didn''t find anything at all."


    Yuan''s expression remained indifferent as he continued, "I searched everywhere,every rock, under every tree,but there was nothing. I must report this to the sect. Perhaps the demonic beast has already left the Thirty Plants Forest¡­ or maybe it ventured into the inner or core regions. A pity,I couldn''t visit the deeper areas, nor could I gather any further information!"


    Yuan spoke about the situation, explaining that he had found no signs of the demonic beast, nor any clues to its whereabouts. He even voiced his frustration about failing the mission.


    But the more Yuan spoke, the more Elder Rein seemed to grow uneasy.


    His once-relaxed demeanor began to shift, a subtle nervousness creeping into his expression.


    Yet, neither of them acknowledged it.


    As the tea finally finished brewing, they let the conversation drift into lighter topics.


    Elder Rein shared stories of his past as a cultivator, recounting the adventures and experiences of his youth. Yuan listened, occasionally responding, but he knew better than to press further into the elder''s visible discomfort.


    The day passed.


    Night came and went.


    By the time the morning sun shone upon the village once more, Yuan knew it was time to leave.


    Standing at the village gates, he turned to Elder Rein and gave a polite nod.


    "Elder Rein, I bid you farewell."


    With those parting words, he left the village behind.

 Back at the Sect

    "Haaa¡­"


    A long sigh escaped Yuan''s lips as he sat on his bed, his gaze unfocused, lost in his thoughts. His mind drifted back to everything that had happened in the past week since he left the Thirty Plants Forest.


    First, after reporting to the Mission Hall that he had found no traces of the demonic beast and could not finish the mission, he was immediately met with sneers and ridicule. Some disciples outright laughed in his face, while others whispered mockingly behind his back.


    And that wasn''t all.


    A few disciples even tried to beat him up , seeing him as an easy target.


    But before things could escalate too far, Li Yun came,already out of seclusion.


    With a single statement,saying that he and Yuan were good brothers,the beatings ended just as quickly as they had begun.


    Not even a full day had passed before the harassment stopped entirely.


    But the damage had already been done.


    The most painful part wasn''t the scorn or the failed mission itself¡­


    It was the merit points he had to pay as compensation.


    That loss stung more than anything.


    But it didn''t end there.


    Aqua, the disciple who had first introduced him to Li Yun, along with several other inner disciples, began distancing themselves from him.


    They still exchanged small talk, still gave him some face, but it was clear that it was only out of respect for Li Yun.


    Yuan wasn''t surprised.


    For inner disciples, the first mission was a crucial event,one that determined their initial social standing within the sect.


    Failing that mission meant starting at the bottom of the social hierarchy.


    And unless one advanced in cultivation or found a powerful backer, that ranking rarely changed.


    Normally, even Li Yun would have distanced himself after such an incident.


    But he didn''t.


    That alone made Yuan see him as a bit more trustworthy than most.


    Still, beyond the damage to his social status, nothing else truly affected him.


    And so¡­


    He went into secluded cultivation.


    he began consuming all the pills he had earned from his battle against Wu Shen.


    Thanks to the eight Spiritual Essence Attraction Pills, Yuan could now absorb three times faster spiritual essence from his surroundings, allowing him to fuse it with his blood at an accelerated rate.


    And now¡­ 10% of his blood was fused with spiritual essence.


    With this current amount of spiritual blood, Yuan estimated that he could probably survive against Wu Shen for a few seconds longer without relying on the Azure Basilisk Flame.


    Simply put, he could now infuse more of his spiritual blood into his techniques, giving him a slight edge compared to before.


    However, cultivation alone wasn''t enough.


    Yuan also attempted to train in his other technique, one he hadn''t even begun to learn properly the Thunderclap Gale Strike. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But even with 10% spiritual blood, it was still far from enough even to practice it.


    He estimated that he would only be able to attempt to train it after reaching 20% of spiritual blood.


    That should just be the bare minimum to train it.


    To actually use it in real combat, he would likely need 30% or 35% of spiritual blood.


    And to execute it perfectly, without much flaws?


    Maybe 70%.


    And even his other two techniques were barely at the level where he could really use them. To fully master them, he would need at least 20% spiritual blood.


    Thinking about all of this¡­ Yuan realized how foolish he had been.


    Ever since he entered the Howling Wind Sect, he had grown too arrogant.


    He had ignored the importance of cultivation stages, assuming that he could simply use techniques without fully understanding their requirements.


    And because of that arrogance¡­


    He had overestimated himself.


    The fight against Wu Shen had been nothing short of reckless.


    Everything that had happened,every risk, every injury,could have been avoided if he hadn''t looked down on everything around him.


    His thinking at that time had been utterly foolish.


    But now, he had learned his lesson.


    And he would not repeat the same mistake again.


    Yuan could only feel frustration every time he thought about himself.


    Did he really believe that someone who was practically a mortal could kill an opponent 100 times stronger than him so easily?


    How foolish.


    "Haaa¡­"


    Yuan sighed, pushing aside these thoughts.


    Before anything else, he could check the amount of his merit points.


    With a deep breath, he reached into his bag of holding, bracing himself for the result before counting his merit points.


    47.


    Yuan counted again.


    And again.


    The number remained the same.


    "Tch."


    Clicking his tongue, Yuan scowled at his own poverty.


    With a sigh, he then turned his attention to the various herbs stored inside his bag of holding.


    Carefully, he began sorting them into two categories


    Herbs that could be sold for merit points and Herbs that would be planted in his cultivation cave.


    In the end, Yuan decided to plant three of the herbs in his cave.


    None of them were particularly valuable.


    However, after a decade or more of growth, they could save him resources and reduce the cost for the future breakthroughs.


    It was a small investment.


    With that, he officially ended his one week secluded cultivation and stepped outside his cave.


    The moment he did, the warm rays of the sun greeted him.


    Taking in a deep breath, Yuan stretched his limbs before turning in a particular direction.


    With steady steps, he began walking toward Li Yun''s cave.


    Taking the staircase to the third floor of the mountain Peak, Yuan finally arrived at the area where Li Yun''s cave was located.


    Walking past countless identical cave entrances, he soon reached a familiar one,Cave 424.


    Standing before the wooden door, Yuan knocked firmly.


    "Brother Yun, it''s Yuan!"


    A moment later, the door swung open.


    Standing there was Li Yun, dressed in the usual inner disciple green robe. His long black hair flowed down his shoulders, and his black eyes shone with calmess.


    "Ah, Brother Yuan! Come in, come in!" Li Yun greeted him warmly, stepping aside. "What brings you to my humble abode?"


    Without hesitation, Yuan stepped inside, closing the door behind him.


    A small smile formed on his lips as he spoke.


    "Haha, Brother Yun, as you know, I was in the Thirty Plants Forest."


    Hearing this, Li Yun gave a small nod while preparing a pot of spiritual tea.


    Yuan chuckled, settling down before a small tea table.


    "So, Brother Yun, do you think I vanished for nearly a month¡­ for nothing?"


    Li Yun, initially calm, suddenly froze.


    His black eyes widened, his gaze flashing with excitement.


    He leaned forward, his voice hasty with anticipation.


    "Brother Yuan, don''t tell me¡­ Did you find a spiritual item? Or perhaps an inheritance from a powerful cultivator?!"


    His hands clenched into tight fists, his breathing growing slightly erratic.


    "Brother Yuan, I didn''t know you trusted me this much! Don''t worry about merit points or spiritual essence stones,this brother of yours will cover all the costs! Whatever plan you have, your brother supports you fully!"


    Yuan fell silent.


    His expression stiffened, his smile faltering slightly.


    He hadn''t expected such a strong reaction.


    Now, he couldn''t help but feel a little¡­ guilty.


    Maybe he should have downplayed his words a bit.


    "Cough, cough¡­ Brother Yun, now you truly overpraise me." Yuan let out an awkward chuckle, waving his hand dismissively. "What inheritance? What spiritual item? I was merely wanted to ask where I could sell some spiritual herbs for merit points that i found. Forgive me, Brother Yun, for making it sound like something greater than it was."


    Silence.


    For a moment, Li Yun said nothing.


    Then, he cleared his throat, coughed a few times, and without a word, retrieved two cups, placing them before Yuan.


    Pouring the freshly brewed tea into the cups, Li Yun took a slow sip, a smile returning to his face.


    "Brother Yuan, you don''t have to worry about selling herbs somewhere." His voice carried a casual confidence. "After all, my Li family has more than enough merit points, and as a young master, I naturally have plenty to spare! Wait a moment,I''ll call someone from my family to appraise them."


    With that, Li Yun retrieved a communication talisman, dropping a drop of his blood,the communication talisman began to shine a bit with an green light.He then instructed one of his subordinates to send an appraiser to his cave to inspect the herbs.


    The subordinate obeyed without hesitation.


    And so, while they waited for the appraiser, the two began to chat.


    During the month Yuan had been away, several events had taken place within the Howling Wind Sect.


    At first, Li Yun boasted a little, proudly declaring that he had already made all necessary preparations for his next breakthrough.


    Then, the conversation shifted toward the latest happenings among the inner disciples.


    First, there was an inner disciple who had successfully advanced to core disciple status after completing an advancement mission.


    But that wasn''t the only news.


    There had also been several fights among the inner disciples, and the reason for that is Alex which caught Yuan''s attention.


    And that wasn''t all.


    It was officially announced that Third Grand Elder Wu had accepted Alex as his personal disciple, immediately granting him inner disciple status.


    Because of this, many inner disciples had challenged Alex to duels.


    After fighting many fights against inner disciples, he then once won a fight against one of the subordinates of a core disciple, earning himself some fame.


    But that victory came at a price.


    Since then, Alex had earned the core disciples wrath and so he had been suppressed within both the inner and outer regions of the sect.


    Thanks to the influence of the Third Grand Elder it allowed him to continue moving freely.


    However, there were limits to what even a Grand Elder could do.


    And so, Alex remained suppressed, unable to do much other than endure.


    After finishing their discussion about Alex''s situation,as Yuan always asked for more details, but then after they finished talking about Alex the appraiser arrived.


    Li Yun immediately stood up and opened the door, allowing the appraiser to enter.


    It was an elderly man with white hair and a long white beard, dressed in a dark green robe,like a normal outer sect disciple. In his right hand, he carried a wooden walking cane,His grip on the wooden cane was firm, but his movements were steady, showing that despite his age, he was still a cultivator with strong vitality


    Upon entering, the old man gave a respectful bow to both of them.


    "Greetings, Fourth Young Master Li and Senior." His voice was calm and steady. "This old man is called Ruben, but you may simply call me Old Ruben, Fourth Young Master, and Senior."


    Li Yun smiled and nodded in greeting.


    "Haha, hello, Old Ruben. Let me introduce you to my brother here." He gestured toward Yuan. "Old Ruben, this is Inner Sect Disciple Yuan."


    Yuan returned the gesture with a polite nod.


    Without wasting time, he reached into his bag and carefully retrieved each herb, placing them neatly before the appraiser.


    Old Ruben''s eyes narrowed slightly as he examined the collection.


    Then, without hesitation, he began the appraisal process.


    One by one, he inspected each herb with careful precision, occasionally glancing at Yuan with a hint of surprise.


    With each herb appraised, he reported the price to Li Yun.


    A few times, his eyebrows lifted, clearly impressed by the rarity of certain herbs.


    And so, after nearly half an hour of careful evaluation and price calculations, Old Ruben finally reached his conclusion.


    "These herbs are worth a total of 650 merit points."


    He looked at Li Yun, awaiting his decision.

 Rumors of the Rising Chaos

    (AN: Merit Points ¡ú Merit Coins)


    "Hahaha, then Old Ruben, please go to Elder Li and ask him for the merit coins. Once you have them, deliver them to Brother Yuan''s cave. Wait a moment,I''ll write you the necessary permission for the transaction."


    Li Yun smiled at Old Ruben before taking out a brush and a piece of paper from his bag of holding. With swift, practiced strokes, he began writing.


    Within moments, he finished drafting the permission scroll and handed it over.


    Receiving the scroll, Old Ruben bowed respectfully. "Then, I shall take my leave. Farewell, Fourth Young Master Li, Senior Yuan."


    With that, he turned and left the cave.


    As soon as Old Ruben was gone, Li Yun poured another round of warm spiritual tea into their cups before continuing their conversation about the current affairs of the sect.


    There wasn''t much news aside from the ongoing situation with Alex. However, rumors had begun spreading about the newest batch of recruits,many of whom were said to be extraordinarily talented, with quite a few already nearing a breakthrough into the Blood Purification Stage.


    This was a surprising development, Li Yun remarked.


    In recent years, the incoming disciples hadn''t produced many strong inner disciples, leading to stagnation in their numbers. As a result, there were relatively few inner disciples residing on the three floors of Peak Mountain.


    And if the rumors were true, this new wave of talented disciples would soon bring about a shift in power.


    Naturally, the sect wouldn''t be foolish enough to let such talents rot in the outer sect.


    They would ensure that these promising disciples advanced to the inner disciple ranks as quickly as possible.


    That meant that, in the coming months, the sect would issue more missions with greater rewards, providing these talents with resources and opportunities to break through to the Blood Purification Stage.


    With more opportunities to climb the ranks, these new disciples would begin their rise.


    The balance within the inner disciple hierarchy was bound to shift.


    Li Yun''s expression darkened slightly as he let out a sigh.


    "To us, this might not be good news at all," he muttered.


    Chaos was not always favorable for the current powerhouses.


    After all, when new dragons and phoenixes begin to rise, they inevitably set their sights on the old tigers of the mountain. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And to establish themselves¡­


    They would challenge the old tigers,until they became the new rulers of the mountain.


    Laying Low in Chaos


    For Li Yun, this situation was indeed troublesome.


    But for Yuan?


    It was perfect.


    With attention shifting toward the new recruits, he could lay low, slowly fade into the background, and be forgotten by all.


    At best, people would assume that he had only managed to become an inner disciple thanks to his friendship with Li Yun.


    And if that was the case¡­


    Then all he had to do was continue playing the part of someone weak.


    But¡­


    "Should I take this leap of faith?" Yuan pondered.


    Being close to Li Yun would bring many benefits.


    But at the same time, it would also mean being under Li Yun''s influence.


    If he ever refused to do something for him, Li Yun could simply threaten him,whether subtly or directly.


    Yuan exhaled slowly.


    "So, I shall wait and see."


    For now, there was no need to rush a decision.


    Time passed as Yuan continued to gather more information about the sect.


    From what he had learned, the sect would soon issue the next batch of core disciple promotion missions.


    That was the only important information for the inner disciples.


    Aside from that, Li Yun had also mentioned that he planned to break through to the Meridian Awakening Stage within a week.


    During that time, he would be in seclusion and unable to be contacted.


    Other than that, there wasn''t much of significance.


    Noticing that their tea had already run empty, Yuan decided it was time to leave.


    "Then, Brother Yun, I''ll take my leave."


    With that, Yuan bid farewell to Li Yun and made his way out of the cave.


    Descending the staircase, he eventually arrived at the first floor and walked toward his own cultivation cave.


    Cultivation and Frustration


    Once inside, Yuan resumed his cultivation, focusing on fusing his blood with spiritual essence.


    As night fell, he remained seated, silently refining his spiritual blood.


    Hours passed.


    After ten hours of uninterrupted cultivation, Yuan opened his eyes.


    His expression darkened as he clicked his tongue in frustration.


    "Tch¡­"


    He could clearly feel it,his progression had slowed down drastically.


    Sighing, he muttered under his breath.


    "Cultivation truly is a difficult path,you can only endure even though you don''t make much improvements in the time and every small improvement becomes a big achievement."


    During the past week, while using pills, he had been able to advance his spiritual blood fusion by at least one percent.


    But now?


    Without the aid of external resources, his progress had slowed to a crawl,three times slower than before.


    At this rate, if he continued without any external help, it would take him nearly five years just to reach 33% fusion.


    Yuan clenched his fists.


    Each stage of blood fusion is divided into four layers.


    1-33%,Early Layer34-66%,Middle Layer67-99%,High Layer99.5-100%,Peak Layer


    At the early stages, creating spiritual blood is relatively easy.


    However, once a cultivator reaches the Middle Layer, the process slows drastically,taking twice as long compared to the Early Layer.


    At the High Layer, progress becomes four times slower.


    And at the Peak Layer, it is five times slower than at the Early Layer.


    Even with the lifespan granted after breaking through to the Blood Purification Stage, it was nearly impossible to ascend through natural cultivation alone.


    If one became a Blood Purification cultivator at the age of 15, then, at this pace, they would only reach completion around 130.


    However¡­


    No Blood Purification cultivator lives that long.


    Because of this, cultivators must rely on external resources to speed up their cultivation.


    But even with external aids, most cultivators still end up dying before reaching the next stage.


    The Struggle of Spiritual Blood


    The reason for this brutal difficulty lies in the very nature of the process itself.


    The fusion of spiritual essence with blood is not natural.


    To the body, spiritual blood is nothing more than a parasite,something foreign, something to be eliminated.


    So the body fights back, resisting the fusion.


    As spiritual blood spreads, it begins to replace and condense the body''s original blood becoming purer, stronger, and more concentrated.


    But at the same time¡­


    It becomes harder to cultivate.


    Reaching the Peak Layer of Blood Purification is akin to fighting against one''s own blood for complete dominance.


    Most cultivators first experience the true resistance when they reach the first bottleneck,the 33% cap.


    At that point, the body''s normal blood has already lost a third of its natural influence, and from there, the blood fights back even harder.


    For Yuan, the difficulty was even worse.


    His Blood Fiend Lower Physique made the process harder than normal.


    However¡­


    If he could endure it,if he could overcome this brutal process¡­


    Then, at the Meridian Awakening and Bone Forging Stages, his cultivation speed would skyrocket.


    That was the sacrifice he had chosen to make.


    But Yuan pushed aside his thoughts about the Blood Purification Stage as he heard a knock on his door.


    He stood up, walked over, and opened it.


    Standing outside was Old Ruben, his posture straight yet respectful.


    The elderly man bowed slightly.


    "Greetings, Senior. This old man is here to deliver Senior''s merit coins! Please, take this bag of holding!"


    With that, he reached for the small pouch hanging from his hip and extended it toward Yuan.


    Yuan gladly accepted it with a small smile.


    "Thank you, Old Ruben, for delivering the merit coins. Here,take ten merit coins as a token of appreciation!"


    Without hesitation, Yuan reached into the bag of holding, pulled out ten merit coins, and handed them to Old Ruben.


    A Suprised expression came from old Ruben but this turned then into a bright smile across the old man''s wrinkled face.


    He bowed twice, expressing his gratitude several times.


    Yuan merely chuckled and wished him a good day before closing the door.


    The moment he was alone again, Yuan sat down and began counting every merit coin inside the bag.


    640 merit coins.


    Nodding in satisfaction, he allowed himself a small smile.


    A bit of wealth had returned to him.


    After a brief pause, his gaze shifted back to the bag of holding Old Ruben had given him.


    He examined it more closely and quickly realized


    It was of better quality than the one he had been using.


    Naturally, Yuan wasn''t one to trust things so easily.


    Before making the switch, he carefully inspected it for any hidden formations or runes that could indicate tracking or interference.


    But after a thorough examination, he found nothing.


    Which made him very happy.


    A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he began transferring all his items from his old bag of holding into the new one and began to take a closer look at it.


    The bag of holding has dark green leather,the bag was smooth yet sturdy, inscribed with various formations and runes that enhanced its functionality.


    The main formations included the Space Enlargement Formation that allowed for an increased storage capacity and the Spirit Essence Absorption meaning Runes that ensurs that the bag remained constantly charged and active.


    Of course, there were many more runes and formations embedded within, but these were the most essential.


    Now that he had transferred all his belongings, Yuan left his cave, sealing it with his identification slate.


    Then, without hesitation, he made his way toward the Outer Disciple Market Area.


    As he though about Ming Ze''s restaurant.


    It was time to see what had become of his 100 merit coin investment.

 Brewing Wealth and Ambition

    The sun began to rise, its golden light shining through the window, gently illuminating the room. The warmth of the morning sun touched Ming Ze''s face, stirring him from his sleep.


    "Yawn¡­" Ming Ze stretched his tired body as he slowly sat up, rubbing his sleepy eyes. His limbs felt stiff from last night''s work, but as he thought about the number of guests he had served, a small chuckle escaped his lips.


    It had been nearly a month since his life changed,since the day he met Boss Yuan.


    Ever since that day, rumors spread among the outer disciples about how the inner sect disciples who had visited his humble restaurant had left satisfied and heard them praising his food. Naturally, the outer disciples became curious and so they came to try the food from him.


    At first, they came just to see what the senior inner disciples had eaten. But once they tasted it themselves, they kept coming back.


    And thanks to Boss Yuan, he was able to buy more meat than usual, allowing him to serve even more customers. However, while the food was popular, not all cultivators relied on meals,many preferred nutrition pills or fasting pills, making traditional food less essential to some.


    But surprisingly¡­ food was no longer the most important thing in his restaurant.


    It was tea.


    Whenever outer disciples asked what the inner sect disciples enjoyed most, Ming Ze always gave the same answer,spiritual tea.


    A few wealthy outer disciples had decided to try it out, and once they experienced its effects, word spread like wildfire.


    And just like that, his business flourished.


    In just one month, Ming Ze had become one of the top 50 richest outer disciples in the entire sect branch.


    But¡­ there was one problem.


    Despite his newfound wealth, he realized something troubling,he hadn''t bought a single cultivation pill this entire time.


    Between managing supplies, restocking food, purchasing spiritual tea leaves, and gathering the necessary spiritual herbs, he had neither the time nor the money to invest in his own cultivation.


    For now¡­ he would have to wait.


    But the more Ming Ze thought about his restaurant, the wider his smile grew. Out of pure happiness, he began to hum a cheerful tune as he went about his morning routine.


    Since he was still the only person managing the restaurant, there was no time to waste.


    Grabbing a broom, he swept every corner of the room, making sure not a single speck of dust remained. Once satisfied, he took out a mop and began scrubbing the wooden floor, ensuring everything was spotless.


    After that, he checked his food stock and the few spiritual tea plants he had been growing. Carefully inspecting each item, he went through his usual preparations, making sure everything was in order before opening.


    Although the number of guests had slightly decreased compared to the first two weeks, there were still regular customers who arrived early. Being ready from the start of the day was essential.


    "Hehehe¡­"


    A soft chuckle escaped Ming Ze''s lips as he finished his preparations ahead of schedule.


    With thirty minutes left before opening time, he decided to enjoy a small break.


    He filled a pot with water, then he set it to boil. Once it was ready boiling, he carefully mixed the herbs with the water and after finishing the spiritual tea he poured himself a cup of spiritual tea.


    Holding the cup in his hands, Ming Ze took a slow, careful sip.


    The moment the warm liquid touched his tongue, his mind sharpened, his thoughts became clearer, and a sense of relaxation spread through his body.


    His muscles loosened slightly, and for a brief moment, he simply closed his eyes, savoring the aroma of the tea and the peaceful atmosphere.


    "Cough."


    In the seemingly peaceful atmosphere of Ming Ze''s tea shop, a faint cough echoed through the room.


    He heard it, but chose to ignore it.


    "Cough, cough!"


    This time, the coughing was louder, more persistent.


    Even so, Ming Ze paid it no mind, simply taking another sip of his spiritual tea.


    As the warmth of the tea spread through his body, he finally opened his eyes and froze.


    A figure stood before him.


    Shoulder length black hair, deep black azure eyes, and a green robe.


    For a moment, Ming Ze''s mind blanked.


    Then, instinctively, he rubbed his eyes, trying to make sure he wasn''t seeing things.


    But no matter how many times he blinked the young man remained standing there.


    A cold shudder ran down his spine.


    Sweat began to seep from every pore of his body.


    His hands trembled.


    His muscles stiffened.


    Because in that instant,he remembered exactly who this person was!


    Without hesitation, Ming Ze shot up from his chair, his movements stiff and rushed.


    Then, bending at a perfect ninety degree angle, he bowed deeply and saluted to the young man.


    "G-Greetings, Boss Yuan!This ignorant one could not believe that Boss Yuan has already returned to the sect!This Ming would like to invite Boss Yuan for a special tea, made from the best spiritual tea leaves I currently have!Please, take a seat,I will prepare it immediately!"


    Without waiting for a response, Ming Ze bolted toward the kitchen, his mind in a frenzy.


    Meanwhile, Yuan let out a quiet chuckle, clearly amused by the reaction.


    Unbeknownst to Ming Ze, Yuan had been watching him the entire time.


    He had followed him silently hiding in his shadow, his movements were concealed thanks to his superior cultivation and the growing mastery of the Howling Gale Steps technique.


    Ming Ze hadn''t even noticed his presence.


    And now¡­


    Watching the flustered man rush around in a panic,Yuan couldn''t help but find it quite entertaining.


    But Yuan simply sat down on the wooden chair,the very spot across from Ming Ze''s usual seat.


    As he waited, he began to think about Ming Ze''s situation.


    From what he had observed, Ming Ze barely had time to cultivate as he didn''t make any progress in his cultivation.


    Instead, as he sees it,he had poured all his efforts into growing his business.


    And it had indeed paid off.


    The restaurant had improved significantly since the first time Yuan had visited with Li Yun.


    Back then, the food stocks were much lesser.


    But now?


    Ming Ze had an entire room filled with ingredients,a clear sign of how much his business had flourished.


    Even more impressive was the small indoor plantation of spiritual tea leaves.


    For a normal outer disciple, growing spiritual tea was a costly investment.


    Which meant that Ming Ze must have earned quite a sum in just one month.


    It was an achievement worth noting.


    As Yuan pondered this, only three minutes passed before Ming Ze returned, carrying a tea canister and a wooden cup.


    With precise movements, he placed the wooden cup before Yuan,his actions graceful and practiced.


    Then, with fluid expertise, he began to pour the tea in slow, elegant circles.


    Yuan silently watched the performance.


    There was no doubt,when it came to the art of presenting tea, Ming Ze is a true master.


    A small nod of satisfaction formed on Yuan''s face.


    With the cup now full, Yuan gently lifted it, bringing it closer to his nose.


    A soft, fragrant aroma rose from the tea, carrying the freshness of spring itself.


    It was light yet invigorating, like the scent of morning dew on delicate flower petals.


    There was a subtle hint of earthiness, reminiscent of trees standing tall in a misty valley.


    A faint, almost sweet undertone lingered, like the first bloom of peach blossoms carried by the wind.


    Yuan closed his eyes briefly, enjoying the soothing fragrance that filled his senses.


    His expectations for the tea rose even higher. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without hesitation, he took a small sip, allowing the warm liquid to coat his tongue.


    Now, he would truly judge its taste and, most importantly, its effects.


    This spiritual tea had an excellent taste and could be sold at a high price if better spiritual herbs were used.


    Even with lower grade spiritual herbs, it already had a subtle but noticeable effect.


    If he were to train a technique right now, he could clearly grasp it more efficiently, as the tea enhanced focus and concentration,a very useful trait.


    However, for Yuan, the effect was limited.


    His cultivation stage had already surpassed the point where this tea could offer much benefit.


    But for someone below 5% in the Blood Purification Stage, this tea would be invaluable, especially for learning sword techniques or other combat arts.


    With that thought, Yuan was satisfied.


    He had expected far less, but Ming Ze was undeniably talented.


    It was a pity that the Howling Wind Sect didn''t invest much in alchemists, only prioritizing the powerfull cultivators.


    If Ming Ze had been given proper resources, he might have had the potential to become a Master or even a Grandmaster Alchemist in the future.


    But, in the end, the sect simply didn''t care about such talents.


    With a nod of approval, Yuan turned to Ming Ze and spoke


    "Good tea, Ming Ze. This tea can enhance focus for cultivators up to 5% in the Blood Purification Stage,that alone exceeds my expectations."


    A small smile tugged at his lips as he added,


    "You''ve earned yourself a reward for this tea. Sit, enjoy the moment."


    With that, Yuan gestured for Ming Ze to sit.


    Ming Ze''s eyes sparkled, his body trembling slightly with excitement.


    He quickly took a seat, grabbing the spiritual tea he had prepared for himself before Yuan''s arrival.


    Taking a small sip, he let out a bright, satisfied smile.


    Yuan watched as Ming Ze''s face lit up with pure joy at the mention of a reward.


    A small smirk formed on Yuans lips.


    This was exactly what he had intended.


    A well placed reward was the perfect way to slowly bind Ming Ze''s to him,slowly but surely, making him rely only on Yuan and so becoming loyal to him.


    "Humans Greed is truly as high as the Heavens themself"


    With this though Yuan already knew what to do next.


    He leaned forward slightly, his tone calm yet authoritative.


    "Ming Ze, I can see that you haven''t made much progress in your cultivation. But you should be reaching the end of the Mortal Awakening Stage slowly."


    His gaze sharpened slightly.


    "You need to reach the Blood Purification Stage soon."


    Then, with an air of nonchalance, Yuan continued,


    "And since you''ve crafted such excellent tea, I shall not reward you poorly¡­ and so i will reward you with three hundred merit coins."


    Three hundred merit coins.


    Ming Ze froze.


    His mind went blank for a moment.


    Three hundred merit coins?!


    In just one month, he had barely managed to earn two hundred merit coins and most of that had already been spent restocking food and spiritual herbs.


    But now¡­


    He had just received the same amount and more simply as a small reward?!


    He felt like he was dreaming.


    Ming Ze''s rank among the wealthiest outer disciples had instantly soared,rising from the upper top 50 to the high top 30.


    This was a massive leap in terms of wealth!


    His breathing quickened, his heart pounded.


    This was insane!


    How could someone just hand over such an absurd amount of merit coins without hesitation?!


    While Ming Ze''s wealth soared, Yuan''s shrank. He had made 600 merit coins in a day,only to give away half, gaining nothing in cultivation.


    Still, this was a necessary sacrifice,an investment for the future.


    And Yuan wasn''t bothered by it at all.


    He had already forgotten about the wealth he lost.


    Instead, he focused his gaze back on Ming Ze, his expression calm yet expectant.


    A small smile played on his lips as he asked,


    "So, what have you learned in these past months?"


    His voice was steady, but there was a deeper meaning behind the question.


    "Tell me everything.In detail."

 Rise of the Silver Snakes

    "Boss Yuan, you want me to talk about the rumors regarding the fellow disciples who came with us to the sect, right?" Ming Ze asked nervously, his voice slightly tense.


    Yuan smiled calmly, nodding his head slowly. He ignored the nervous expression on Ming Ze''s face and simply waited in silence.


    Ming Ze coughed lightly before continuing, "Cough¡­ So, Boss Yuan, during my time working here in the restaurant, I''ve heard many things. Some disciples have been growing faster than the older ones, and I''ve made sure to take note of Emilia, just as you requested."


    He straightened up slightly. "I''ve written everything down, so please wait a moment while I fetch my notice book!"


    With that, Ming Ze stood up and hurried toward the food storage room.


    He returned a minute later, a small book clutched in his hands. Approaching the table, he bowed deeply before stretching out the book toward Yuan with both hands.


    Yuan, still wearing his usual calm smile, accepted the book without a word.


    Ming Ze then stood straight, gave one last bow, and finally sat back down, waiting anxiously for Yuan to read his notes.


    However, instead of immediately opening the book, Yuan placed it on the table and reached for his cup of spiritual tea.


    Taking a slow sip, he let out a relaxed sigh.


    The room fell into a heavy silence.


    Across from him, Ming Ze grew increasingly nervous.


    Why wasn''t Boss Yuan reading the book?


    A strange, invisible weight pressed down on his back, making him break into a light sweat.


    Despite the growing anxiety, he did not dare to move or speak.


    Even the slightest action might disturb Boss Yuan and risk incurring his displeasure.


    But Yuan simply sipped his spiritual tea in a carefree manner, enjoying the quiet moment.


    He let five minutes pass before finally placing the cup back on the table and reaching for the small notice book.


    Across from him, Ming Ze felt an immense sense of relief. The invisible weight pressing down on his shoulders vanished instantly.


    Yet, instead of immediately reading the book, Yuan took a moment to observe Ming Ze''s behavior.


    This had been a small test.


    A way to confirm whether Ming Ze still respected him or if he had already betrayed him.


    After all, his business had grown significantly.


    It wouldn''t be surprising if an inner disciple had taken an interest in seizing control of the restaurant, offering Ming Ze an easy way to rise in status.


    If Ming Ze had indeed plotted against him, his reaction would have been very different.


    Instead of simple nervousness, he would have shown true panic.


    His pupils would have trembled, his sweat would have poured, and his body language would have given him away.


    But none of that happened.


    Ming Ze was simply nervous,not guilty.


    Seeing this, Yuan dismissed his suspicions and finally began reading the notice book.


    Despite being compiled in just one month, there was a wealth of information recorded.


    The growth of Ming Ze''s business


    The number of customers visiting the restaurant


    Which inner disciples had come


    The rich outer disciples who frequented the place


    Various rumors circulating within the sect


    Which rumors were widespread and which were minor


    Disciples who had encountered "lucky opportunities"


    Disciples who had died shortly after acquiring small fortunes


    All of this was useful.


    But among everything recorded, one section was the most important the information on Emilia.


    After all, they were still bound together by the Colorless Mind Demon Binding Poison.


    Knowing more about your enemy is always better than knowing nothing about them at all.


    And for Yuan, that was far more valuable than anything else. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    During Yuan''s one month failed mission, Emilia had become somewhat well known among the outer disciples.


    According to several of Ming Ze''s customers, her beauty attracted the attention of a few wealthy outer disciples and even two young masters,one from a middle sized family and another from a low sized family within the Seven Peak Mist Mountains.


    However, she rejected all of them, claiming that she had no interest in having a Dao Companion and so all the other disciples then just accepted it and doesnt cared about her at all,but one couldnot endure this rejection.


    And wounded the fragile ego of the young master from the low sized family.


    Out of spite, he attempted to kidnap her.


    But before she could be delivered to him, something strange happened.


    The servants he had sent to capture Emilia¡­ were killed.


    Their severed heads were discovered right outside the fragile hearted young master''s residence, sending a wave of fear and speculation through the outer sect.


    The incident spread rapidly.


    Ming Ze even included a personal note, stating that on the very day it happened, he heard the same rumor three times from different customers, and he found the whole situation rather strange.


    But that wasn''t all.


    It was also stated in the note book that Emilia had formed a mission group with the friends she made during the sect tournament.


    They called themselves the Silver Snakes.


    As theire group symbol they took a snake devouring its own tail.


    Recently, the Silver Snakes had gained significant fame.


    They had completed a mission of an unknown difficulty level, where they fought against a group of demonic beasts led by three Blood Purification Stage demons.


    Against all odds, they successfully brought back the corpses of those high staged demonic beasts, further boosting their reputation.


    As for why their group was called the Silver Snakes¡­


    Their first mission involved hunting a demonic silver snake, which initially shocked Yuan, as these demonic beasts were incredibly rare,if not outright impossible to find,in the Lower Plane.


    Finding a demonic silver snake here in the lower plane was like discovering a pill capable of helping a Body Ascended cultivator survive their Ascension Tribulation.


    These creatures could only survive in the Higher Plane, and under normal circumstances, they would perish if they stayed in the Lower Plane. Finding a living demonic silver snake here was practically unheard of.


    However, in the Demonic Beast Community, demonic silver snakes are known as royal demonic serpents, with many high leveled demonic silver snakes cultivators in their lineage.


    Killing one was considered a grave offense.


    Anyone who slew a demonic silver snake would be hunted across the Higher Plane, marked for death.


    Even Basilisks, in his youth, had once been forced to hunt down reckless individuals who dared to slay such serpents.


    So this alone showed just how rare it was to find a demonic Silver Snake.


    But the Silver Snake Royal lineage had no influence in the Lower Plane, meaning there shouldn''t be any here at all.


    This fact alone made Yuan highly suspicious of finding and killing an demonic Silver Snake.


    And if he could obtain its corpse and refine it into a Blood Pill¡­


    He could instantly push his Blood Purification Stage to 66%, without any obstacles.


    Given enough time, he might even be able to break past the bottleneck and reach the High Layer.


    But alas¡­


    The sect had most likely already refined it into a pill or sold it off.


    With this thought, Yuan could only let out a sigh.


    He was helpless when it came to the Silver Snake''s corpse.


    "Sometimes, knowledge is nothing more than a curse.You see an opportunity right before you...But you are too weak to seize it.Or worse¡­You arrive too late to claim it.Such is the cruel game played by the Heavens, forcing weak cultivators into despair,wasting their time with regrets and disappointments so that they never reach the next stage."


    Since this opportunity was out of reach, Yuan pushed it from his mind and focused on the rest of Ming Ze''s notes about Emilia.


    Unfortunately, there wasn''t much of value.


    Aside from details on the missions she and her group had completed and the merit coins they had earned, nothing stood out.


    Of course, there were the usual rumors,gossip that one of the male members of the Silver Snakes was having an affair with one of the female members.


    But such things were nothing more than baseless outer disciple gossip, and Yuan had no reason to waste time on them.


    Closing the notice book, Yuan smiled.


    While the information wasn''t groundbreaking, it was still useful in its own way.


    At the very least, it would help him with a few of his plans he had in mind.


    And now, with this information in hand, he could finally begin placing Ming Ze in the territory of an inner disciple.


    He would let them fatten him up, feeding him like a pig, showering him with wealth and benefits¡­


    Only for Ming Ze to betray them in the end.


    And when that moment came¡­


    Yuan would take everything for himself.


    A slow smirk crept onto Yuan''s face,dark and cunning.


    Unbeknownst to him, his expression had changed.


    But Ming Ze, standing before him, was too nervous to notice.


    Instead, he simply stood there, waiting anxiously for Yuan to say something.


    So Yuan snapped out of his thoughts and returned to reality.


    Looking at Ming Ze, he smiled widely, placing the notice book down on the wooden table.


    Then, he picked up his spiritual tea, taking a slow sip.


    From the notes, he had learned that Ming Ze had given this tea a rather grand name"Spring at the Highest."


    A name that was, quite frankly, over exaggerated.


    This tea was nowhere near worthy of such a title.


    However¡­


    With proper refinement and countless improvements, perhaps one day, it could live up to its name.


    But until that day came¡­


    Calling it "Spring at the Highest" was nothing more than arrogance.


    For now, it was just an amusing name with a bit of potential in Yuan''s eyes.

 Taking the next Steps

    "Haha, Ming Ze, now it''s time to truly transform your restaurant into a tea house.With the merit coins you''ve already earned, you should have enough resources to sustain yourself for some time.But you must search for a few junior disciples from the sect,disciples who can learn from you how to make lower quality spiritual tea and normal tea.That way, you''ll have more time to cultivate and can focus on making only high quality spiritual tea for inner sect disciples and the wealthier outer disciples.After all, you want to reach the Blood Purification Stage, don''t you?Coming from a noble clan under a great empire, you should already know that the Blood Purification Stage is also known as the First Wall of Cultivation.If you can''t break through before the age of 15 or at the latest, 17¡­Then don''t even dream of reaching the Meridian Awakening Stage.Keep my words in your heart, Ming Ze.Understand the true reason why you must reach the Blood Purification Stage as fast as possible."


    Yuan''s words were spoken calmly, yet his tone carried a grave seriousness, making it clear that he meant every word.


    After all, if Ming Ze failed to reach even the Meridian Awakening Stage, then in 100 years, he would become nothing but a useless pawn.


    With his potential to become a Master or even a Grandmaster Alchemist, losing him would be a huge waste.


    That was why Yuan would do everything in his power to help Ming Ze rise within the sectto make him believe that Yuan was his true mentor, his guiding teacher¡­


    So that betrayal would never even cross his mind.


    At least, that was what Yuan hoped.


    But in the cruel world of cultivation, trust was as fragile as a knotted rope.


    At first, it may be tight and unbreakable like stone¡­


    But over time, the knot loosens.


    And eventually¡­


    All it takes is a single gust of wind for it to snap,breaking the trust forever.


    But for the current Ming Ze, Yuan''s words held great importance.


    They earned Yuan a place in Ming Ze''s heart.


    And so, he simply nodded slowly, acknowledging Yuan''s advice.


    Yuan noticed the nod and responded with a lighthearted smile.


    "So, with the tea house," Yuan began, his voice calm yet firm, "you are already an excellent restaurant owner. You understand this business far better than I do.After all, I can only support you from the shadows with a few merit coins.But if you ever need advice, we should establish a system of secret signals and coded messages.That way, we can exchange information without anyone else understanding us.So now, I will write in your notice book,an entire coded language and a few methods for you to inform me discreetly."


    With that, Yuan asked Ming Ze for a pen.


    Ming Ze quickly walked to the kitchen, rummaged around for a moment, and soon returned with a pen in hand, presenting it to Yuan.


    Yuan took the pen and began writing carefully in the notice book.


    He detailed ten secret methods for Ming Ze to send information discreetly, ensuring that only the two of them would understand the coded messages.


    Additionally, Yuan wrote down an entire secret language, a system of symbols and phrases that would allow them to communicate in a way no one else could decipher.


    Thanks to the memories of the Basilisk, Yuan had knowledge of various coded languages and information-gathering techniques, making it easy to create a system that was both efficient and undetectable.


    By the time he finished, the notice book was nearly full, packed with everything from Ming Ze''s gathered rumors to Yuan''s newly devised secret communication methods.


    Ming Ze''s thirty-minute break was coming to an end.


    It was already time to open the restaurant, but he had delayed it by another thirty minutes, making him an entire hour late.


    Between writing in the notice book and discussing the gathered information, time had slipped away unnoticed.


    With his tea already finished, Yuan stood up, preparing to leave.


    Before stepping away, he spoke a few final words to Ming Ze:


    "I''ll be taking on another sect mission in the coming months. During that time, you won''t be able to contact me in any way. For now, just focus on forming loyal subordinates for your future tea house. In the end, it will become more than just a business,it will serve as a hub for gathering information."


    With that, Yuan turned and left.


    As Yuan left, Ming Ze could only stare at the spot where his figure had vanished.


    He hadn''t even seen how Yuan disappeared,his speed was simply too fast for him to follow.


    For a moment, he just stood there, his eyes lingering on the empty space.


    Then, he closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh.


    A few moments later, he opened them again, a new ambitious glint shining within.


    A small smile crept onto his face as he turned toward his restaurant.


    Without hesitation, he pushed open the doors, stepping inside.


    Before doing anything else, he grabbed a sheet of paper, scrawled a short message onto it, and pinned it beside the wooden entrance.


    [Seeking Alchemist for Work]


    Yet, Yuan neither saw this nor cared.


    He had already expected Ming Ze to take action on his own.


    As long as it served its purpose, that was all that mattered.


    By now, Yuan had already arrived before the Mission Hall.


    His sharp gaze swept across the large mission board, searching for a suitable task.


    He was particularly looking for missions involving monster hunting or similar challenges.


    After all, he needed more merit coins now than ever.


    Supporting Ming Ze''s tea house while funding his own cultivation would only become more expensive from here on out.


    And for that¡­


    He needed to start earning merit coins.


    Finding missions that rewarded a hundred merit coins or more was ideal, but he wasn''t the only one searching for them.


    Still, Yuan somehow managed to secure a mission worth a few hundred merit coins.


    The mission itself was fairly straightforward.


    He tracked down several demonic beasts, killed them, and then sold their remains to the Mission Hall.


    The corpses of demonic beasts belonged to the one who slew them, meaning the sect couldn''t force him to hand them over.


    However, since Yuan was once again short on merit coins, he chose to sell the valuable parts their ears, teeth, pelts, and certain organs,to the Mission Hall.


    Yet, there was one thing he refused to sell.


    Something he needed more and more of.


    And the more he gathered, the better it would be.


    But Yuan didn''t just hunt Blood Purification Stage demonic beasts,no, he killed everything below the Bone Forging Stage.


    Many Meridian Awakening Stage demonic beasts fell prey to him.


    However, he couldn''t sell the organs, bones, or pelts of these stronger demonic beasts to the sect.


    If he did, he would attract suspicion.


    Rumors would spread, and before long, he would gain unwanted attention from the inner sect disciples.


    So instead, he found a few loose cultivators willing to trade.


    Exchanging the organs, pelts, and teeth of his kills, Yuan received spiritual herbs and pills in return.These resources are far more valuable for his cultivation.


    But despite the benefits, Yuan was always careful when dealing with loose cultivators.


    They were unpredictable, dangerous, and free from any responsibilities.


    At any moment, they could attempt to rob him, and if he was weaker than them, he would have only two choices.


    Run or submit.


    If they wanted to kill him, escape would be his only option.


    But that posed another problem.


    If he fled, he would have no choice but to return to the sect.


    And if he failed to complete his mission within the given time without a proper explanation¡­


    He would face punishment or worse, expulsion.


    And simply saying, "I was attacked by loose cultivators," wouldn''t be an acceptable excuse.


    The sect''s response would be simple.


    "Then why did you provoke them?"


    Unless he was an important inner disciple, no one in the sect would care about his situation.


    Dealing with loose cultivators was always a gamble.


    During an exchange with an loose cultivator, Yuan offered one him an complete Meridian Awakening Stage demonic beast corpse.


    But instead of a fair trade, the loose cultivator tried to rob and kill him.


    Unfortunately for him¡­


    Yuan wasn''t an easy target.


    With little effort, he killed the loose cultivator, proving that a mere Meridian Awakening Stage opponent was no real threat to him.


    After the fight, Yuan searched through the dead cultivator''s bag of holding.


    And what he found¡­


    Surprised him.


    There were quite a few good things inside,resources that could accelerate his cultivation:


    A few pills that could enhance his training and a few drops of Poison Mist Liquid,which is quite rare.


    This made Yuan realize something.


    Loose cultivators, despite their loose and unpredictable nature¡­


    Always seemed to carry valuable items.


    At that moment, a new idea took root in Yuan''s mind.


    Why waste time selling demonic beast corpses for merit coins?


    Why bother negotiating with other cultivators for resources?


    When he could simply take what he needed?


    If loose cultivators were willing to rob and kill him¡­


    Then he would do the same to them.


    From now on¡­


    He would hunt them down and rob them and claim their resources as his own.


    With this method, he could accelerate his cultivation speed far beyond what he had originally planned.


    A cold glint flickered in Yuan''s eyes.


    He had just found a new way to rise faster than he thought.


    And so, months passed.


    In several regions surrounding the Howling Wind Sect, a rumor began to spread.


    A story about a bandit¡­ or perhaps a killer.


    A mysterious hunter who targeted loose cultivators, slaughtering both the famous and the infamous without hesitation.


    No one knew his true identity, only that his blade showed no mercy.


    Even the inner disciples of the Howling Wind Sect failed to catch him.


    Time and time again, he would eliminate his prey¡­ and then disappear without a trace.


    And so, the disciples of the Howling Wind Sect gave him a name.


    A title that spread like wildfire among the wandering cultivators.


    The Hunter of the Ignored Cultivators. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Demonic Stone Wolves

    A sunny day. The sun shone brightly, and no clouds were visible in the vast sky.


    A young man in green robes, his black hair flowing gently in the wind, walked across the vast mountain range. His unusual black azure eyes gleamed under the bright sun. A sword rested at his hip, swaying slightly with each step.


    As he walked, his gaze briefly lifted toward the glowing sun, its golden rays illuminating the rugged landscape around him. The only signs of life were the sparse trees scattered across the rocky terrain and a small river that quietly flowed through the mountain''s base.


    This place was called Stone Wolves Mountain.


    Yuan had accepted one final sect mission, leading him to this remote mountain range. Unlike the others, this one held special significance. It marked the end of his active duties before entering seclusion.


    At last, his preparations were complete.


    For four months, he had struggled within the sect, competing for the best missions, earning enough merit coins to sustain both himself and Ming Ze. Now, that period was finally coming to an end.


    During these months, Yuan hadn''t found the time to personally check on Ming Ze''s tea house, but he had overheard a few inner disciples talking about it.


    They spoke of an outer disciple at the Peak of the Mortal Awakening Stage, one who made exceptional tea.So exceptional, in fact, that even Blood Purification Stage cultivators found it useful. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hearing this, Yuan felt a small sense of relief.


    That meant Ming Ze had already reached the peak of the Mortal Awakening Stage.


    Now, all that remained was for him to break through to the Blood Purification Stage within the year.


    Any further delay, and his chances of reaching the Meridian Awakening Stage would slip away.


    But that wasn''t all the inner disciples talked about.


    According to them, Ming Ze had even begun serving a few high ranking inner disciples who were at the Meridian Awakening Stage.


    That alone spoke volumes.


    If Ming Ze had managed to attract Meridian Awakening Stage cultivators, then his business must have truly begun to flourish.


    With just this one piece of information, Yuan could easily conclude that Ming Ze had already earned twice the amount of the reward Yuan had given him last time,perhaps even more.


    That was the only news Yuan had about Ming Ze.


    Aside from that, the only other noteworthy news was Li Yun''s breakthrough to the Meridian Awakening Stage.


    But Yuan had already expected this.


    After all, Li Yun had been on the verge of breaking through five months ago. Now was the perfect time for him to advance.


    With his successful breakthrough, Li Yun had now become a High Inner Sect Disciple.A rank above regular inner disciples.


    Among the disciples of the Howling Wind Sect''s branch sects, only Core Sect Disciples ranked higher than him.


    However, being a High Inner Sect Disciple was, in some ways, even better than being a Core Sect Disciple.


    Because when a new High Inner Sect Disciple emerged within the branch sect, the main sect would grant them the opportunity to take the Core Disciple Test.


    If they passed, they would officially become a Core Disciple of the Main Sect, earning a far higher status within both the sect and the cultivation world.


    On the other hand, branch sect Core Disciples were simply those who had failed the test.


    Their potential was considered lacking, and they were deemed unworthy of reaching cultivation realms beyond the Marrow Essence Stage.


    But a Core Disciple of the Main Sect?


    That was an entirely different story.


    Unlike the branch sect Core Disciples, a true Core Disciple of the Main Sect held a status comparable to that of a Grand Elder.Even if their cultivation realm was lower.


    The Howling Wind Main Sect truly valued strength above all else.


    That was the only conclusion Yuan could make about the main sect before he pushed the thought aside and continued his journey through Stone Wolves Mountain.


    His current sect mission was simple.


    Hunt down ten Demonic Stone Wolves and deliver their corpses to the Mission Hall.


    A straightforward mission, but the problem was that Demonic Stone Wolves never traveled alone.


    They always traveled in packs, ranging anywhere from thirty to forty wolves at a time.


    That was the difficulty of the mission.


    But thankfully, in the outer region of Stone Wolves Mountain, all the Demonic Stone Wolves were only at the Blood Purification Stage.


    That meant Yuan could easily kill these Demonic Stone Wolves without much trouble.


    Not only that, but this demonic beast race wasn''t particularly known for its intelligence.


    Unlike other demonic beasts with even mildly decent bloodlines, Demonic Stone Wolves were born with an impure lineage. They lacked bloodline memories, physical enhancements, or any inherited strength.


    They were nothing more than primitive creatures, surviving purely on instinct.The lowest of the low in the demonic beast hierarchy.


    Yet, despite their lack of intelligence, they had dominated the entire mountain.


    Due to their lack of intelligence, their only advantage was their sheer numbers, allowing them to dominate Stone Wolves Mountain.


    Because of their high numbers, most other demonic beasts had either been hunted down by the relentless packs or were forced to flee the mountain entirely.


    Demonic Stone Wolves lacked a strong bloodline, and because of that, their most powerful member was a single known pack leader.


    This pack leader resided at the highest peak of Stone Wolves Mountain, a Bone Forging Stage demonic beast ruling over a tribe of elite wolves.


    Unlike the weaker wolves scattered across the outer regions, this demonic beast tribe had a few Meridian Awakening Stage demonic beasts among them.


    However, since they only lived in the mountain''s core region, they didn''t bother with the wolves living in the outer region.


    Those Demonic Stone Wolves were either exiles or simply too weak to be considered part of the main tribe.


    Abandoned and left to survive on their own, these outcast Demonic Stone Wolves were seen as nothing more than fodder for the wild.


    Soon enough, Yuan found one of these outer packs.


    And today, luck was on his side.


    The pack he discovered was a newly formed one, consisting of only twenty five Demonic Stone Wolves.


    More importantly¡­


    Only one of them had reached the Peak Layer of the Blood Purification Stage.


    Two others were at the High Layer, while the remaining wolves were at the Early or Middle Layer.


    A perfect hunting opportunity.


    Yuan didn''t waste time.


    He immediately began searching for the perfect moment to strike.


    His plan was simple.


    Eliminate the pack leader first.Then, while the pack was in disarray,Slaughter the rest in a single sweep.


    Even though his mission only required ten corpses, he could still sell the extras.


    Or perhaps¡­


    He could give one to Ming Ze to experiment with.


    Who knows? Maybe the alchemist tea maker could create a new recipe using the demonic stone wolves blood?


    Two hours passed quickly.


    The twenty five wolves had finally stopped to rest.


    Even the Peak Layer Stone Wolf, exhausted from its long trek, lowered itself onto the warm ground, basking under the sunlight.


    It was the perfect moment.


    Yuan''s eyes gleamed.


    It was time to strike.


    Yuan seized the opportunity. In one swift motion, he drew his sword and activated Howling Gale Steps.


    His figure blurred.


    Before the Peak Layered Stone Wolf could even sense danger, Yuan had already appeared behind it.


    Wind Cutter Slash.


    A whisper of steel. A flash of light.


    The wolf''s head tumbled to the ground, its body crumpling lifelessly beside it.


    It had died without ever realizing how.


    But Yuan didn''t stop there.


    Channeling a bit of spiritual blood into his legs, he activated Howling Gale Steps once more, his speed exploding as he dashed toward the two High Layered Demonic Stone Wolves.


    The two wolves, having just noticed their leader''s death, froze in shock.


    That moment of hesitation was all Yuan needed.


    Wind Cutter Slash!


    Two more heads fell to the ground, their bodies collapsing beside their fallen leader.


    With the three strongest wolves dead, the remaining Middle and Early Layered wolves finally reacted.


    They gathered themselves, preparing to attack.


    But without a leader, and with almost no intelligence, their movements were nothing but mindless instinct.


    They had no strategy.


    No coordination.


    No chance.


    And so the battle became a massacre.


    Blood sprayed across the grey stone ground.


    The once lifeless terrain was now painted in deep crimson, the scent of iron thick in the air.


    By the time the last demonic stone wolve fell, the aftermath of the battle had created a small lake of blood.


    Yuan glanced at the gruesome sight before him.


    Without hesitation, he retrieved a special bag of holding one designed specifically for storing demonic beast corpses.


    One by one, he stored the fallen demonic stone wolves inside.


    The last thing he wanted was for more Demonic Stone Wolves to catch the scent of this much blood and come swarming toward him.


    So,Yuan sheathed his sword and swiftly sealed his bag of holding, storing the Demonic Stone Wolves'' corpses inside.


    His hands and green robe were now completely stained with blood, but he didn''t care.


    As he had collected all the deminic stone wolves corpses, he turned and ran, moving swiftly away from the scene.


    He wanted to go to a small lake he spotted earlier while surveying the area


    Upon arriving at the lake, Yuan''s sharp gaze swept the surroundings.


    Seeing no one nearby, he finally undressed and stepped into the cool water.


    As he bathed, he washed away the blood, watching as the red stains dispersed into the water, fading into nothingness.


    Once his body was completely clean, he summoned a small Azure Basilisk Flame, using it to dry himself off.


    Then, without hesitation, he burned his blood soaked robe,reducing it to ashes.


    From his bag of holding, he retrieved a fresh, clean green robe, dressing himself anew.


    Now that his sect mission was completed it was time for his real mission.


    The true reason he had come to Stone Wolves Mountain was that there are Rumors that a loose cultivator had taken residence in these mountains, creating a cultivation cave somewhere in the region.


    From what Yuan had gathered and heard, this person wasn''t particularly strong.


    Rather than a fighting cultivator, he was an alchemist who made a living by trading pills with other cultivators.


    However despite his lack of combat prowess, this loose cultivator had allegedly killed multiple infamous robbers and bandits.


    An isolated alchemist, rich in resources yet lacking protection.


    What better target could there be?


    if he were to disappear, no one would ever really notice it,after all he was known to being in long seclutions for his cultivation.


    So which robber wouldn''t want to rob this alchemist filled with valuable resources,that could help someone to cultivate even higher?


    A perfect target for him.

 Stone Wolves Mountain

    The Stone Wolves Mountain is divided into five parts.


    First, there is the Core Region, where the true Demonic Stone Wolf tribe lives in complete isolation.


    Then, there are the four outer regions of the mountain.


    The eastern part,this area is filled with many caves, most of which were created and are now used by exiled Demonic Stone Wolves. Other than the river that crosses in all four directions, there is nothing else notable. Just a few relatively big and small mountains, surrounded by numerous caves, and constant battles between different packs of stone wolves.


    Next is the western region.This part of the Stone Wolves Mountain has the most other demonic beasts races, mostly because it has a forest that stretches down the mountain.


    Aside from that, it''s mostly a green land filled with grass, scattered trees, and the river flowing down from the Core Region.


    Even though this region is the most populated when it comes to demonic beasts, most of them are wolves as well or demonic beasts that share a similar bloodline lineage with the Demonic Stone Wolves. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, there is the southern region.


    Here, one finds countless small mountain peaks, with the river flowing across a rocky terrain.


    This area is filled with nothing but stone, and if someone were to look toward the western edge, they''d see just a few trees and grass at the borderline.


    The south is the least populated region in the entire mountain range.


    There are nearly no Demonic Stone Wolves, or any other demonic beasts for that matter.


    Then there was the last region,the northern region.


    The north was a mix between the west and the south. It had many trees, but it wasn''t completely covered in them, and there wasn''t much grass either. Aside from the trees, there were countless small mountains scattered everywhere, with a few caves hidden in between.


    Because of the type of trees that managed to grow there, the environment gradually evolved to suit the Demonic Stone Wolves. Over many years, most of the trees turned into spiritual fruit trees.


    And because of these spiritual fruit trees, The northern part became the most overpopulated region in the entire Stone Wolves Mountain, with even a few exiled Demonic Stone Wolves at the Meridian Awakening Stage.


    As for Yuan, he was currently in the southern part of the mountain range.


    According to a few books from the sect, the southern region was said to be the best place for going into seclusion, mostly because there were almost no demonic beasts around to disturb anyone.


    It was the perfect spot for loose cultivators looking to meditate, refine pills, or build a cultivation cave in peace.


    But even though the south was barren and had far fewer Demonic Stone Wolves compared to the other regions, there were still many of them,at least a thousand.


    And if that number existed in the least populated area, the other regions may have about five times more... or even more than that.


    But well.Who would be surprised?


    This was a demonic beast race that had become the tigers of the mountain, all because of their overwhelming numbers.


    Finding so many of them in one place should be simply normal.


    But for an alchemist, living in the southern region wasn''t exactly ideal for building a cultivation cave.


    However, if someone were to settle near the western edge of the south part, there was still some life growing there. The number of other demonic beasts was low,not as few as the center of the south, but still far fewer compared to the rest of the mountain.


    So, the western edge of the south was most likely the best place for an alchemist to peacefully grow spiritual plants, far away from the territorial fights of the Demonic Stone Wolves.


    These were all just Yuan''s guesses.Guesses he made while trying to think like an alchemist, someone who didn''t want to fight but only wished to cultivate in peace.


    And his thoughts were most likely right.


    But still¡­ it could very well be that this alchemist lived somewhere in the middle of the western part, or even somewhere else entirely.


    After all, who could truly understand the thoughts of an unknown cultivator?


    Yuan hadn''t even had the time to investigate further, let alone learn this alchemist''s name.


    Even if this alchemist was a newly advanced Bone Forging Stage cultivator, Yuan was no longer as helpless as he had been with Wu Shen.


    And even if that turned out to be the case, he would still use the Azure Basilisk Flame directly.


    After all, he didn''t come to make friends.


    He came to kill.


    "Haaa¡­" Yuan sighed, his thoughts wandering inside his mind.


    He could only prepare himself to use the Azure Basilisk Flame if the alchemist turned out to be a Bone Forging cultivator.


    But until then, he could only hope for the best and remain cautious.


    After all, he needed many resources to advance further in his cultivation stage and something like that wouldnot simply end at the blood purification stage,no needing resources is a part of ones cultivation itself,if someone doesnt have resources to stastify his cultivation he wouldnot advance fast and must only relay on absorbing normal spiritual essence,which is unprodactive.


    So Yuan began to wander around the western edges of the southern part of the mountain. Other than finding a few Demonic Stone Wolves, he didn''t find anything else.


    But Yuan wasn''t someone who gave up so easily.


    He searched every small mountain peak he could find, one after another,until he finally came across a strange, little peak.


    This small peak wasn''t covered with even a single Demonic Stone Wolf.


    Instead, it was filled with more trees and grass than any other place he had seen along the western edges.


    And not only that,after observing for a while, he noticed something odd.


    A few Demonic Stone Wolves were actively avoiding this small peak.


    So, he could only chuckle a bit and smile faintly as he whispered under his breath,"Found it."


    At least, he thought this was the alchemist''s cultivation cave.


    Maybe it wasn''t.


    Either way, Yuan began to move in a completely silent manner, becoming extremely cautious as he kept an eye out for formations and hidden runes.


    And sure enough,after circling around the edge of the small peak,


    He did find something.


    Alarming meaning runes!


    As the name of the runes say these Alarming meaning runes were there to alarm about something and though they were of an low grade and didn''t carry much power and meaning, Yuan could immediately tell from the way they were drawn that these were man made runes and not natural.


    And if they were man-made, then this place had definitely been tampered with by someone.


    So, Yuan continued circling around the small peak, discovering even more of the same kind of runes.


    After committing their positions to memory, he pulled a small knife from his bag of holding and knelt down.


    Carefully and patiently, he began drawing the exact positions of the alarming meaning runes onto the ground.


    After doing that, he began to think about where the runes would lead someone or where the alarm signal would be sent. So he started connecting each rune with lines, mapping out their possible pathways. After finishing, he noticed that many of the lines intersected, creating multiple crossing points.


    But other than just forming an intricate pattern, Yuan had a feeling that there were more runes hidden somewhere,ones that would complete the formation by linking all the alarm runes together into a larger structure.


    "Clever," Yuan muttered, complimenting the one who had set this up.


    However, even though this was a well-placed defense, these kinds of runes alone couldn''t form a true runic formation. At most, it was a regular formation strengthened with runes,something anyone could set up after studying formations and rune inscriptions for a while.


    Still, Yuan didn''t let his guard down.


    He slowly began analyzing the structure of the formation and the runes. Even if it wasn''t a runic formation, it was still something unknown to him. And unknown formations could be dangerous. For all he knew, stepping into the wrong area could trigger a deadly trap.


    After all, he wasn''t some invincible cultivator who could ignore formations and runes. They were still a threat to him, and he had to tread carefully.


    As he continued drawing the lines on the ground, Yuan slowly gained a clearer understanding of the formation''s structure.


    And soon, he realized,this wasn''t a deadly formation at all.


    It was an illusion formation.


    Anyone who entered the formation''s range would experience a mild illusion, making them feel lost. It would cause them to unknowingly wander in circles around the small peak or even be compelled to climb to the top of it.


    Aside from that, this formation also served as a trigger for the alarm runes. Once the illusion was activated, the alarm runes would immediately send a signal to the person who had created the formation.


    This was everything Yuan could deduce about the formation.


    But the most important information this illusion formation gave him was that it was only useful for beings below the Bone Forging Stage.


    This meant one thing.The person who created this formation and these runes was not at the Bone Forging Stage.


    After all, who would use such a weak formation against an enemy at a higher cultivation stage? It would be completely useless,a pure waste of resources.


    With this realization, Yuan began moving toward each rune he had mapped out earlier.


    He carefully started drawing disturbing meaning runes to interfere with the formation, along with an energy supporting meaning rune that would redirect spiritual energy through the runes from a distance.


    The use of these runes was simple.


    To prevent the alarm runes from properly functioning.


    Because the person who made these runes wasn''t a true rune expert, they had set the illusion formation to trigger the alarm runes instead of directly linking them together.


    If they had made it more rune focused, it would have been much harder to block the signal.


    But with just this?


    Yuan could stop these alarming meaning runes from sending any warning at all without much problems.


    After spending an entire day dealing with all the runes, he had successfully formed his disturbing meaning runes and the energy supporting meaning runes.


    Now, all that remained was the illusion formation itself.


    But this formation wasn''t a problem.


    After all, it only weakened his sense of direction.It didn''t affect his mind.


    Which meant¡­


    Yuan could walk right through it without any issues.


    And so, with every preparation done, Yuan walked toward one of the energy supporting meaning runes and let a drop of his spiritual blood fall onto it.


    As the blood drop touched the rune, it slowly began to glow red, a faint shimmer spreading across its surface.


    This was the signal.His spiritual blood was now being given to all the disturbance meaning runes around the energy supporting meaning runes.


    Watching carefully, Yuan waited a moment before adding a second drop¡­ and then a third.


    The moment the third drop was absorbed, the rune flashed crimson, as if it had been freshly burned by fire.


    This glow was the final confirmation,the disturbance meaning runes were now fully active and looked at one of the disturbance meaning runes before him to confirm it for himself a second time.


    Yuan gave himself a small nod of approval as everything goes without problems,before shifting his focus elsewhere.


    Without hesitation, he changed into a simple azure robe, free of any patterns or unnecessary fancy.


    Just simple and practical.


    Then, he carefully adjusted his robes, ensuring a perfect fit.


    The last thing he wanted was to trip while running or have his sleeves interfere when wielding his sword in battle.


    Mistakes like that could be fatal.


    After slightly shortening his sleeves and trimming the lower part of his robe for better mobility, Yuan tested his range of motion.


    Now, he could walk freely and swing his arms with ease, completely unhindered.


    Satisfied, he turned his gaze toward the illusion formation surrounding the small peak.


    Without a second thought, Yuan stepped forward and entered.

 Fast and Effective Fight

    A small mountain peak stood in the distance. It was around 100 meters high, covered with grass and trees, and looked like a place full of life. There was nothing unusual about the peak except for its location.


    If it were five kilometers further west, it would''ve been just another ordinary peak. But in this region, where only a few scattered trees and patches of grass could be seen, it stood out,looking oddly out of place.


    Yuan was already standing before the peak, and the illusion formation was already active. But since he had prior knowledge of the formation, he let his spiritual blood continuously circulate through his body.


    As long as he could feel the energy flowing steadily within, he knew he was aware and conscious. If, at any point, the blood stopped circulating naturally, that would be his signal that the illusion had taken effect.


    With this method, Yuan carefully and steadily approached the small peak without losing his sense of direction.


    He had already circled the peak several times and noticed that there were no caves on any of its sides. So, Yuan guessed that the alchemist must have placed the entrance or a cave seal somewhere at the top.


    And so, he began to climb.


    As Yuan began to climb, the illusion formation had already lost nearly all of its effect. It could no longer disturb him.


    After walking around freely for nearly half an hour, Yuan was certain that all the runes he had set were effective and had successfully blocked any outgoing signals. Because of that, he could ascend without much worry.


    However, that didn''t mean he wasn''t being cautious.


    Even now, he remained alert.Ready for any surprise attacks.


    Climbing higher and higher, Yuan soon reached the top of the small mountain peak. The entire area was covered with grass, spiritual trees, and even a few spiritual herbs. It resembled a small garden. Not an actual cultivated one, but more like a naturally growing patch with a slightly refined appearance.


    Still, there were no rare herbs among them. At a glance, none of the spiritual plants held much value.


    Yet, even with just this modest garden, it was clear that a cultivator was living here.


    Yuan narrowed his eyes and began observing the surroundings more closely. He examined the trees, the ground, and the entire area,on guard for hidden traps.


    But after some time, he found nothing¡­ except a large stone, roughly four meters tall, resting on the ground.


    The earth around the stone showed signs of grinding or dragging, making it look highly suspicious in Yuan''s eyes


    He immediately prepared for a potential battle.


    In one swift motion, he drew his sword from its sheath and held it firmly in his right hand.


    Then, with a subtle movement, he summoned his Azure Snake and allowed it to coil around his left arm, hidden beneath his sleeve,ready to strike at a moment''s notice.


    Yuan readied his final trump card,just in case.


    He carefully distributed 9% of his spiritual blood to his hands, wrists, fingertips, toes, and the soles of his feet. The remaining 1% he left circulating in his heart, mixed with his regular blood.


    That final reserve was meant for emergencies,if he were pierced or seriously wounded in the torso, he could use it to heal or at least stabilize the injury.


    To finish his preparations, he allowed his crimson aura to seep into his skin, reinforcing it with a thin layer of resistance. If he were struck with a serious blow, it would help him slow the bleeding.Enough for him to survive until he killed the alchemist and could fully heal.


    "Haaa¡­" he exhaled one last deep breath.


    Then, without hesitation, Yuan struck the stone with full force.Delivering a powerful kick that sent it flying off the small mountain peak in one smooth motion.


    With the stone gone, an entrance was revealed.


    Leading into a chamber hidden within the peak.


    Without wasting a second, Yuan dashed inside.


    In just a heartbeat, he reached the open room. There were no doors, no defenses at the front,only a single figure.


    A middle aged man with long black hair, dressed in a plain white robe, sat cross legged on a cultivation bed. He remained still, as if unfazed.


    Then, slowly, the man opened his eyes.


    Dark brown pupils stared back at Yuan with calm indifference.


    As the middle aged man opened his eyes, Yuan was already mid swing.His sword aimed to behead him without an ounce of hesitation.


    The man saw the moving sword instantly. Just one look into Yuan''s cold, merciless eyes told him everything he needed to know.


    Reacting purely on instinct, the man threw himself to the left, rolling to the side in an attempt to dodge the deadly strike.


    He succeeded.


    But not without a price.


    Still in a half lotus position, the middle aged man had used his left arm to throw himself aside,but in doing so, he left his right arm exposed for just a moment.


    A moment was all Yuan needed.


    He had already predicted that one slash wouldn''t be enough to end this.


    So instead, he took the man''s right arm.


    Blood sprayed across the chamber, painting the floor and walls crimson. The entire right side of the room was quickly soaked in it.


    The man gritted his teeth. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The pain was real.


    Searing and intense,but he could endured it.


    And strangely, no more blood flowed from the severed shoulder after a few moments. He had somehow stopped the bleeding with sheer force of will or cultivation technique.


    All of this happened in the span of two seconds.


    Yuan''s eyes narrowed. The cold glint in them sharpened as he activated Howling Gale Stepsthat allowed him cover the distance of five meters with seemenly one step.


    In a blur, Yuan reappeared just a meter behind the middle aged man.


    But fast as he was, the man''s reaction was sharper.


    Despite having lost an arm, he could still see Yuan''s movements with his bare eyes,clearly and calmly.


    With a quick forward roll, the man dodged Yuan''s second strike and finally managed to rise to his feet for the first time.


    Not only did the middle aged man stand up, but he also suddenly drew a sword out of nowhere.


    Yuan couldn''t see how he did it,but he could guess.


    The man must have accessed his bag of holding in a flash. After all, a Meridian Awakening Stage cultivator was far faster than him, fast enough that Yuan''s eyes couldn''t even track the movement.


    But even so¡­ Yuan could still move like one.


    His gaze sharpened as he watched the middle aged man closely,particularly how he held the sword.


    It was sloppy.


    His stance, although decent, was unbalanced. He held the sword like a complete beginner


    From that alone, Yuan could already tell,this man was definitely right hand dominant.


    Which meant¡­ taking his right arm at the very start had nearly guaranteed victory.


    Yuan prepared to charge again, adjusting his stance for another dash.


    But before he could move, the middle aged man fixed him with an cold,but a fearing stare.


    He endured all the pain that came over his body and controlled his anger.He then to stared at Yuan and spoke in an coldly and a little pained voice.


    "Are you the one who hunts down my fellow loose cultivators¡­ the Hunter of the Ignored Cultivators?"


    Yuan blinked, confused.


    "Who is that?" he thought.


    But he didn''t care.


    He had no interest in whatever nonsense the man was muttering.


    He wasn''t here to talk.


    Without a word, Yuan dashed forward, sword aimed to end the fight.


    "Tsk."


    The middle aged man clicked his tongue and charged as well,beginning the next deadly clash of swords.


    The two of them exchanged countless sword blows.


    But most of the middle aged man''s swings weren''t truly dangerous.Wild, sloppy, and easy to read. He focused more on defending himself than attacking, and because of that, Yuan remained unharmed, without even a single serious injury.


    In contrast, the middle aged man had a pained expression on his face. His white robe was slowly being torn apart, and his body was now covered in shallow cuts,none of them life threatening, but they added up.


    Still, he endured.


    After another short exchange, the man suddenly took a step back, panting softly, and muttered under his breath.


    "I should have really have gone out with that damn bastard..."


    Yuan heard it clearly.


    His voice was filled with regret and fear. Fear that was now clearly visible in his eyes.


    Yuan had seen that same kind of fear many times before, especially in the memories of the Azure Basilisk.


    The fear of death.


    Those trembling eyes, wide and shaky, were always the same. And Yuan knew,when fear began to consumed someone, they would start making mistakes.


    That was when he dashed in.


    More sword clashes echoed throughout the room, the two figures moving at near blinding speed. Metal met metal, sparks flew, and the room became a blur of motion.


    But even amidst the chaos, Yuan could feel it¡­


    The end of this battle was drawing near.


    The middle aged man still had much more power behind his slashes, but since he was fighting with his left arm, his movements lacked any real sword training. He wasn''t used to wielding a sword with that hand, and so most of his strikes were wild and easy to block.


    He tried to kick Yuan a few times as well, but his legs had no spiritual blood infused into them. Because of that, they weren''t strong or fast.


    Slightly better than a normal mortal''s kicks, but that was something Yuan could easily dodge. After all, if the man did use spiritual blood in his legs, the severed right arm would gush out even more blood, eventually killing him from blood loss.


    The middle aged man wasn''t that foolish.


    But still¡­ he was starting to realize it.


    He was going to die.


    That realization drove madness into his eyes. His mind was overtaken by pure survival instinct. He began to make mistakes.


    Rushing his footwork, stumbling slightly, looking repeatedly toward the exit of the cave.


    But Yuan saw right through him.


    He could tell the man was desperate to flee.


    And so, after one final clash, their swords locked together,metal grinding against metal, both weapons trembling from the pressure.


    Yuan''s sword was already wearing down.


    Cracks creeping along its edge, weakened by the raw strength behind each clash.


    But the middle aged man¡­ he is clearly blinded by his fear. Blinded by the panic of his losed arm and the blood he lost. He only wanted to escape, to run.


    Yuan saw this.


    So he gave him what he wanted,an opening.


    A path to the exit.


    A chance to flee.


    The middle aged man saw the opening and smiled madly, his eyes filled with desperation. Pouring the last of his reserved spiritual blood into his legs, he dashed toward the exit with all the speed he could muster.


    But Yuan had already turned around.


    His sword was already in motion, thrown straight at the man''s back without hesitation, without mercy.


    The middle aged man didn''t even realize it.


    He was too focused on fleeing, too blinded by the thought of survival to notice the sword flying toward him.


    Even though he was faster, his body lacked the spare spiritual blood needed to maintain that speed. And with the cave entrance being a straight path, there was no way to evade it.


    Just as his momentum began to slow, the sword found its mark,piercing straight into the center of his back.


    The man staggered.


    His eyes widened.


    He looked down, eyes wide and trembling, as a searing pain bloomed through his chest.A silver tip, red with blood, pierced through his white blood covered robe.


    Yuan''s sword, jutting out from his chest like a final verdict.


    A sickening gush of blood spilled from his mouth, and he dropped to the ground, coughing violently.


    Yuan stared coldly at the dying mans back, his gaze indifferent, unshaken.


    This entire fight hadn''t even lasted ten minutes.


    And to Yuan, it was a disappointment.


    Still, he was satisfied.


    At least he hadn''t been injured.


    And more importantly, this man hadn''t turned out to be some hidden old monster in disguise. If he had been, Yuan might have been the one coughing up blood on the floor right now.


    "Cough! Cough!"


    The sound of ragged, wet coughing echoed through the chamber as Yuan slowly walked forward.


    Calm steps and cold eyes, Yuan approached the dying man,without fear, without sympathy, and without pause.

 Beliefs of a Dead Man

    Yuan''s steps echoed through the cave.


    Slow, calm, steady.His black azure eyes never once left the figure lying in a pool of blood.


    The middle aged man''s white robe, once pristine, was now shredded by countless sword slashes.Stained entirely in his own crimson. Blood pooled beneath him, seeping into the floor, turning red what had once been pure.


    As Yuan approached, the dying man stirred.


    His voice came as a faint, broken whisper,barely audible to the average mortal.


    But Yuan heard it.


    "Why¡­ me? Why is it always¡­ me¡­?"


    There was no defiance in his tone. No rage. Only the soft despair of someone who had asked this question too many times¡­ and never found an answer.


    Yuan didn''t feel pity. He didn''t feel anything. But for some reason, he chose to answer.


    His voice was cold.Devoid of warmth or judgment.


    "Why you?" he repeated softly. "It''s simple. I wanted your spiritual herbs."


    The words cut deeper than any blade.


    The man''s trembling body went still. His widened brown eyes stared blankly, and slowly, his head turned toward the voice.


    As he moved, blood spilled from his lips. He coughed violently.


    Wet, ragged, and loud.


    Until his mouth overflowed with red, dripping down his chin like a broken vessel.


    Yuan stood only a meter away now. The dying man didn''t have to move much to look up into those emotionless, black azure eyes.


    And he did.


    He stared.


    He burned the face and gaze of his killer into his very soul,so that even in death, even in the next life, he would not forget.


    A young man,barely old enough to be called an adult.


    His face, cold and emotionless, showed not a shred of sympathy.


    He stood silently, staring down at the dying man with black azure eyes that held nothing but indifference.


    Eyes that made it clear,he didn''t care. Not about the blood. Not about the pain. Not about the man''s final moments.


    The dying man saw it all¡­ and then, he began to chuckle.


    A quiet, bitter sound that echoed weakly through the cave,interrupted by coughs of blood.


    "I did nothing wrong¡­ yet I was still killed," he said, voice filled with a deep sense of injustice and unwillingness to accept his fate.


    "The cultivation world¡­ truly is a cruel place. The innocent die without reason¡­"


    His words were soft, but in them was a realization.


    A clarity that struck him only in his final breath.


    A moment of bitter enlightenment.


    And slowly¡­ the light in his deep brown eyes began to fade.


    He was dead.


    Yuan exhaled lightly.


    His shoulders relaxed, the tension in his body slowly draining away. It was over.


    For a moment, he stood in silence, unmoving, replaying the man''s final words in his mind.


    Then, a faint smirk touched his lips.


    He let out a soft, ironic chuckle.


    "You say you did nothing wrong? That you''re innocent?" Yuan muttered, his voice low and cold as he stood over the lifeless body, his sword still faintly dripping with blood.


    A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "How foolish."


    His voice echoed through the cave.


    Quiet, but sharp.


    Like a blade dragged across stone.


    "In the world we live in,the world of cultivation,there is no such thing as innocence. This world is built on betrayal, bloodshed, and ambition. People lie, steal, kill, and destroy without a second thought¡­ all just to climb one step higher on the path to power."


    Yuan''s gaze lingered on the corpse. But he wasn''t really looking at it.


    His eyes, glowing faintly with an azure glow, were distant. Thoughtful.


    "Do you think the strong reached their heights with clean hands? Every cultivator who''s advanced has done so by stepping over others. Through battle. Through schemes. Through death."


    He tilted his head slightly, as if amused by his own words.


    "Even those praised as saints¡­ they''re no different. They just hide the bodies better. Behind robes of nobility. Behind a mask of virtue. But their hands? Their hands are stained too."


    A chuckle escaped his lips.


    Quiet. Bitter.


    Amused.


    "Right and wrong? Those are luxuries of the weak."


    His azure eyes sharpened, the glow within them intensifying.


    "In this world, the only thing that truly matters is strength. If you''re strong, your actions are called justice. If you''re weak, even your righteousness becomes meaningless."


    He took a breath,slow and steady.


    "You weren''t killed because you did something wrong. You were killed because you were vulnerable. Because your karma led you to cross paths with me¡­ and I had the power to act on it."


    His smile faded slightly, and his tone cooled into something quieter. Harder.


    "That''s all it takes."


    A long silence followed.


    Then, Yuan turned his gaze toward the cave entrance, where faint sunlight crept in through the stone opening.


    "But I''m not above any of this, either."


    He brushed the edge of his bloodstained robe with a quiet motion, as if acknowledging the weight of his own actions.


    "One day, my karma will come too. One day, someone stronger may come for me¡­ just as I came for you."


    He exhaled softly.


    Then, a small, hollow laugh escaped his lips. Not joy. Not sorrow. Just¡­ something in between.


    "And when that day comes¡­ I''ll simply have to accept it and then fight,survive and then cultivate higher."


    With that, Yuan reached for the hilt of his sword, still embedded in the back of the corpse. With a single motion, he pulled it free.


    The wound reopened, and fresh blood spilled out, soaking further into the already blood stained robe,now more red than white.


    Yuan glanced down at his blade. It was cracked, coated with fresh blood, and glinted faintly in the cave''s dim light. In the reflection on its surface, he saw himself.


    A young man with sharp, angular features.


    Black eyebrows.


    Glowing azure eyes that slowly faded back to their natural black azure hue.


    Raven black hair.


    And lips stained with a faint hue of crimson, almost like blood.


    His gaze lingered on his eyes. The glow¡­ it puzzled him. He frowned slightly, confusion flickering across his face,only for a brief moment.


    Then, as the glow completely faded, he blinked once and returned to himself,as if nothing had happened.


    With a swift motion, he flicked his sword, sending droplets of blood splattering onto the cave floor. Satisfied, he returned the weapon to its sheath at his hip and turned his attention back to the corpse.


    Yuan knelt down and inspected the body, calmly searching for the bag of holding. After a moment, he found it tucked inside the breast pocket of the man''s robe.


    Like the robe itself, the bag was white and untouched by the chaos of the battle. Not a single drop of blood stained its surface.


    Yuan slipped it beneath his left sleeve and tied it in place with a thin string, letting it rest next to his own bag of holding.


    With the most important item retrieved, he shamelessly searched the corpse for anything else of value. But after a thorough check¡­ he found nothing.


    He then began to collect the rest of the fresh blood from the corpse. First, he retrieved a small glass bottle from his bag of holding, then placed it beneath the most severe wound. The bottle slowly began to fill on its own, drop by drop.


    But Yuan didn''t waste time standing over a corpse waiting for it to bleed out.


    He rose to his feet and began casually exploring the cave around him.


    The room where he had fought the alchemist was simple,at the center lay a basic cultivation bed. Just behind it stood a black crystal embedded into the ground. Yuan narrowed his eyes.


    He guessed this was used to signal the alchemist in case the alarming meaning runes were triggered. Around the crystal, a few runes were inscribed on the ground.


    Matching the structure and patterns of the runes he had encountered earlier outside.


    His suspicions were confirmed.


    Past the bed, another open passage caught his attention. Beyond it¡­ was a spiritual garden.


    Yuan''s eyes lit up faintly, and a small smile crept onto his lips.


    He stepped into the passage and entered the garden, curiously inspecting the size of it. It wasn''t very large,barely ten meters across,but the spiritual herbs planted inside weren''t common or even uncommon.


    They were rare.


    Truly valuable herbs used for cultivation.


    Yuan slowly walked through the garden, identifying each herb one by one. He quietly muttered the names of those he recognized, mentally cataloging their uses.


    But as he moved from one plant to another, he quickly realized something. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Out of the twenty or so spiritual herbs planted here¡­ he only recognized three.


    Just three.


    Yet those three alone were enough to aid him tremendously in his cultivation


    At that thought, Yuan began to chuckle softly to himself. With the herbs he had just found and the other resources he''d gathered so far,he could easily break through to the peak of the Blood Purification Stage in maybe eight years.


    Which, compared to the ten years he had originally estimated¡­ was something to be genuinely pleased about.


    His chuckle deepened slightly as he recalled Li Yun''s recent breakthrough. The irony wasn''t lost on him. Li Yun, a member of a prominent family, would likely need around eighty years to reach the Meridian Awakening Stage.


    And yet here Yuan was,without any clan, any support,on the verge of accomplishing it in a fraction of that time.


    If Yuan remembered correctly, the Li family only supported the direct heir. The rest of the younger generation had to rely solely on themselves, forced to prove their worth.


    It was a system built on internal competition, political scheming, and divided factions,something that, to Yuan, already seemed like a recipe for collapse.


    "How foolish," he thought, shaking his head lightly.


    But he wasn''t a member of the Li family. Their fate was none of his concern.


    Letting the thought drift away, Yuan turned his focus back to the spiritual herbs. He began to carefully harvest the ones that were fully ripe, storing them safely in his bag of holding.


    As for the others,those that hadn''t matured yet,he dug them out along with their roots and the surrounding dirt, preserving them in the same way.


    This method would keep the herbs alive for at least a few more days before their medicinal value began to fade.


    After finishing the harvesting of the spiritual herbs, Yuan left the spiritual garden, leaving nothing behind.


    He returned to the corpse of the dead man, picked up the filled blood bottle, sealed it with a piece of wood, and placed it carefully into his bag of holding.


    With everything now taken care of, Yuan turned his gaze around the cave one last time. Then, with a flick of his left arm, he released the hidden Azure Snake from beneath his sleeve.


    The snake slithered out silently before igniting into azure flames, consuming everything in its path.


    The corpse was reduced to ash.


    flesh, robe, and all.


    The cave''s few furnishings were engulfed in flames, and even the faint traces left behind from harvesting the spiritual herbs were erased.


    Within moments, nothing remained that could hint at what had taken place there.


    Yuan, already outside, descended the small mountain peak with calm, unhurried steps,his hands resting behind his back, his expression serene.

 The Alchemists Bag of Holding

    About a few kilometers away from the small mountain peak, Yuan had already changed into his usual green robes and taken a second bath to cleanse the lingering scent of blood from his body.


    It had been five full hours since the fight, and up until now, he hadn''t even looked inside the alchemist''s bag of holding. He preferred to return to the sect first, then take his time to examine the items and spiritual herbs properly.


    But just as he was about to resume his journey, a strange sound echoed from the west.


    A loud cry?


    Yuan turned his head toward the direction of the sound. It didn''t resemble the roar of an enraged beast.


    No, this cry was different. It carried sorrow. It sounded¡­ heartbroken. As if someone had just lost someone dear to them.


    The longer he listened, the more Yuan could roughly pinpoint the origin. It came from the direction of the small mountain peak,where he had just been.


    A sense of unease stirred in his chest.


    He remembered the alchemist mentioning something cryptic before,something about "gone out with that damn bastard." At the time, it had seemed like nonsense. Now, the words echoed ominously in his mind.


    A heavy, foreboding feeling settled over him.


    Yuan quickened his pace, leaving the stone wolf mountain behind. His steps grew sharper, faster.


    When the cry suddenly stopped, a chill ran down his spine.


    He didn''t let his guard down. Instead, his left hand instinctively moved to rest on the hilt of his sword.


    Ready for anything.


    Although Yuan didn''t know exactly where this ominous feeling came from, he decided to trust it. The cry could have belonged to someone who had just lost control,someone who might kill out of frustration or grief. Either way, staying far away from something like that was always better than being close and helpless.


    Step by step, he approached the edge of the Stone Wolf Mountain. Just a few hundred meters more, and he would be clear of it.


    Fortunately, nothing happened as he finally crossed the boundary.


    Without hesitation, Yuan began running toward the sect at full speed.


    After over an day of continuous running, the towering peak of the sect''s main mountain finally came into view. Seeing it, Yuan slowed to a walk, catching his breath as a small, satisfied smile formed on his face.


    At last, it was time to return to seclusion.


    After months of robbing, fighting, and killing, he had finally acquired enough resources to advance his cultivation,without any immediate obstacles or worries.


    Standing before the sect gate, Yuan greeted the guards and handed over both his exit token and identification slate. After verifying their authenticity, the guards nodded and let him through.


    Without wasting any time, Yuan made his way toward his cultivation cave.


    Opening the seal to his cultivation cave, Yuan stepped inside. Everything was just as he had left it.


    Without wasting time, he began drawing a communication meaning rune,dropped a drop of his spiritual blood on the ground to activate the rune to inform Ming Ze about a meeting, then he waited for a response. While he waited for a positive signal in return, Yuan sealed the entrance to his cave and turned his attention to the alchemist''s bag of holding.


    Breaking the seal was surprisingly easy. There were no protective runes or formations inscribed on it, which struck Yuan as odd. The alchemist had runes and formations around his cave,so why hadn''t he done the same for his bag of holding?


    Then again, Yuan couldn''t care less about the thoughts of a dead man.


    He began rummaging through the contents of the bag¡­ and what he found immediately confirmed that killing the alchemist had been the right choice.


    Inside were countless pills,most of them useful for cultivators in the Blood Purification Stage. Pills that, under normal circumstances, would''ve taken Yuan several more years of robbery to acquire.


    With just this supply alone, he could easily support the cultivation of three other Blood Purification Stage cultivators.


    If he had to guess, these pills were likely the alchemist''s main business. He probably sold them to the sect, to loose cultivators, or even to a noble family.


    But aside from the many cultivation pills, there were also other types.


    Poison pills, detoxification pills, concentration pills, and even a few demonic pills!


    Although demonic pills were powerful, they were also incredibly dangerous. When consumed, they damaged the user''s internal organs and could wreak havoc on the entire body. Without significant resources to heal afterward or sheer luck,death was a very real possibility. These kinds of pills were meant to be used only as a last resort, when standing at death''s door.


    "But why didn''t the alchemist use them?" Yuan wondered aloud, a frown forming on his face.


    It was strange. In a life or death situation, someone like the alchemist should have used whatever was available. Maybe it hadn''t crossed his mind, or perhaps he didn''t have time? Whatever the reason, Yuan couldn''t be sure.


    There was more in the bag than just pills. A few books were tucked inside,Books on alchemy and spiritual herbs.


    Yuan pulled them out and began flipping through the pages. The books on spiritual herbs were basic but thorough, describing how to handle different herbs and how to identify them. Some even included complete pill recipes.


    To his surprise, all the spiritual herbs he had collected from the alchemist''s garden were listed in these books. And if the information was accurate¡­ then many of them were indeed considered rare in the lower plane.


    The plants that had been grown in the alchemist''s garden were incredibly valuable,especially for cultivation stages beyond Bone Forging.


    The three spiritual herbs that Yuan already recognized were even useful for cultivators at the peak of the Marrow Essence Stage, particularly when used to refine specialized pills such as the Faster Essence Pill, which aided breakthroughs to higher stages.


    One of the main ingredients for that pill was a 20 year old Cold Essence Root,something Yuan already had in his possession.


    However, if he allowed it to grow for longer, letting it mature further, he could craft an even more potent version of the pill.


    Unfortunately, since he had already harvested the herb, the best he could do now was preserve it and try to extend its age. Even with optimal care, he might be able to stretch its growth by five more years if he cultivated it for another hundred.


    And that was being optimistic


    Still, that was a concern for later..


    For now, Yuan set aside the spiritual herb books and turned his attention to the alchemy book he had taken from the bag.


    This, however, was no ordinary alchemy manual.


    As Yuan flipped through its pages, his eyes widened with interest. It was a flame control technique,specifically designed for alchemists!


    Alchemy flames were something only true alchemists could produce after reaching the Meridian Awakening Stage. They were essential tools in refining high-grade pills, allowing for precise control over heat and essence infusion.


    Greatly increasing the quality and success rate of pill creation.


    As Yuan continued reading, he grew more and more astonished.


    This wasn''t something a regular Meridian Awakening cultivator should possess. It was far too advanced,its structure, control methods, and layered flame manipulation techniques were beyond the standard level of alchemy seen in the lower planes.


    Even the level of flame control described in the book was at least an entire realm higher than what should have been accessible in the lower plane. Yuan couldn''t help but suspect that this technique had originated from a higher plane and somehow found its way down here.


    His eyes widened at the thought.


    He shook his head, wondering if there might have been an inheritance site nearby,some secret cave or formation that held more treasures. But there was no indication of such a thing.


    The book made no mention of its origin, and the alchemist himself hadn''t carried anything particularly special aside from the manual.


    It seemed more likely that the alchemist had stumbled upon the technique by chance,just as Yuan had.


    "Haaa¡­" Yuan let out a quiet sigh.


    If there truly had been an inheritance, it might''ve held resources capable of accelerating his cultivation even further.


    But then again, there had never been an opportunity like that to begin with.


    So why feel regret?


    With that, Yuan shifted his focus back to the flame control technique. Despite its simple name, it was far from easy. In fact, it was something only elite alchemists could hope to master,far beyond the reach of the average alchemist.


    The first requirement was a special flame, either taken from a rare beast or born of some unique condition.


    Then, after reaching the Meridian Awakening Stage and unlocking all meridians, the user was required to perform the an Minor Heart Refinement,a process to refine the heart and make it much stronger than normaly,so that i could hold the flame inside it


    With just that alone, an average alchemist could ascend to become an exceptional one.


    More than that, if done correctly, the cultivator could produce flame blood for brief moments. And by directing this flame blood from their fingertips into the pill furnace, they could precisely adjust the temperature,lowering or raising the heat as needed during refinement.


    Such control over flame would significantly increase pill quality and the success rate.


    But that wasn''t what made this technique truly special.


    Once a cultivator reached the Bone Forging Stage, the benefits became even more pronounced. The higher their cultivation rose, the more refined the heart would becomes,allowing them to produce more flame blood and store larger quantities of it within their heart.


    This technique was, without a doubt, top tier when it came to heart refinement for the people in the lower plane!


    While its ability to refine the heart far surpassed that of other techniques, the true brilliance of it didn''t fully emerge until the Marrow Essence Stage.


    At that stage, when a cultivator broke through, they had to use all of their spiritual blood to infuse it into their marrow and create Marrow Essence. But with this technique by fusing their flame blood into the marrow,they would form a rare and coveted evolution.


    Marrow Pill Flame Essence.


    It was something every alchemist would dreamed of.


    And its usefulness wasn''t limited to alchemy alone.


    It even had powerful applications in combat as well.


    With the Marrow Pill Flame Essence, the user''s body could become resistant to extreme temperatures, particularly the cold. More impressively, they could channel a drop of flame blood from their marrow and use it to attack.


    Unleashing real fire, not some illusion or spiritual construct, but a genuine, burning flame.


    One that could sear flesh and scorch the earth.


    Yuan began to wonder about the Azure Basilisk Flame.


    After all, the Azure Basilisk Flame wasn''t just any ordinary flame. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was a true beast flame, in the purest sense.


    If he could integrate that flame into the technique¡­


    Then this technique would become much more Powerfull than he would imagine!

 Struggles of Developments

    Excitement surged through Yuan for a brief moment before he took a steady breath, calming himself and forcing his mind to grow cold again.


    Yes, the flame control technique would no doubt become useful in the future,especially during his Marrow Essence cultivation.


    But even then¡­ it would never compare to the techniques he had inherited from the Basilisk.


    In comparison, this technique was like earth to heaven,so far apart they couldn''t even be spoken of in the same breath.


    Though Yuan couldn''t cultivate the Azure Flame Arts that Basilisk had once used as his core cultivation technique, he still retained knowledge of countless others.


    After all, to create a unique technique like the Azure Flame Arts, the Basilisk had first studied and analyzed countless paths,drawing inspiration from other systems and refining what was useful.


    Through that pursuit, Basilisk had come across many techniques specifically designed for body and spirit cultivation. The only area in which his knowledge was limited was soul cultivation.


    And for a reason.


    The Azure Dragon Clan, as they were enemies with Basilisk, had restricted his access to soul cultivation techniques. They had allowed him to take only one technique from their collection and it hadn''t been their best. Far from it. It was average at best, and that limitation had been one of the main reasons the Basilisk had taken so long to develop the Azure Flame Arts.


    Now, those same techniques,stored deep within Yuan''s memory,would become useful.


    Yuan had already selected two of them. They were powerful and tailored for high level refinement, but both required a minimum of the Bone Forging Stage to cultivate.


    That was the truth of high tier techniques. The stronger they were, the more demanding their prerequisites. Only the weaker, more basic cultivation methods could be practiced at the Meridian Awakening Stage and almost none were possible cultivating at the Blood Purification Stage.


    Even though the techniques available to a Meridian Awakening cultivator were weaker compared to those of higher stages, they were still valuable. Yuan had already laid out a clear path for his cultivation during the Meridian Awakening Stage.


    In ancient times, it had another name,the Transcended Mortal Stage.


    It was called so because it marked the true beginning of a cultivator''s journey beyond the limits of mortals. At this stage, one could fully harness the power of spiritual blood.


    No matter how strong a mortal was, they would never be able to kill a Meridian Awakening cultivator. Only another cultivator could pose a threat from that point on.


    But Yuan''s thoughts on cultivation came to an end as he suddenly sensed something.


    He stood up, calmly but swiftly, and placed everything around him back into his bag of holding. Then, with a motion of his hand, he unsealed the entrance to his cultivation cave.


    Stepping outside, Yuan walked silently through the quiet outer disciple area, making his way toward the very edge of the sect grounds.


    There, standing alone, was a small wooden hut,humble and weathered, typically used by unofficial outer disciples. Right now, it was empty. No light glowed from within. Only darkness lingered inside.


    Yuan leapt silently into the branches of a nearby tree, concealing himself in the foliage as he observed the hut below.


    Minutes passed.


    Then, a lone figure emerged from the shadows of the forest.


    Ming Ze,he stepped quietly through the trees and made his way toward the wooden hut.


    He then opened the wooden door, stepped inside, and lit a candle,only to blow it out and relight it again. He repeated the process three times.


    This was one of Yuan''s prearranged signals.


    Lighting the candle three times meant everything was ready.


    With a soundless step, Yuan arrived in front of the wooden door. In the next second, he was already inside the wooden hut. The only sound that accompanied his entrance was the faint creak of the door as it opened.


    The hut was simple,just a small bed, a table, and two chairs. Nothing more. It was clearly the dwelling of an unofficial outer disciple. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Ze, who had been waiting inside, smiled as soon as he saw Yuan enter. The tea was already prepared and set out for both of them.


    Yuan glanced at the table, then moved to the empty chair. With a graceful, measured motion, he sat down in silence.


    Ming Ze followed suit, and without a word, took a slow sip of the warm spiritual tea.


    Seeing Yuan drink the tea, Ming Ze beamed with a smile and greeted him cheerfully.


    "Greetings, Boss. It''s been a while. Would you like me to update you on everything that''s happened since we last met?"


    Hearing Ming Ze''s words, Yuan gave a faint smile, his eyes drifting down to the cup of spiritual tea in front of him. He lifted the cup with one hand and brought it close, taking a moment to appreciate the aroma.


    Even just the scent revealed much,Ming Ze had clearly improved.


    Yuan took a slow sip, savoring the taste, then set the cup back on the table and gave a small nod.


    That was all Ming Ze needed.


    He chuckled, familiar with Yuan''s quiet nature, and his smile grew brighter.


    "Boss, ever since the day you left, I''ve been working hard. First, I recruited a few outer disciples and trained them in tea making. Surprisingly, I found a handful who could meet even my lowest standards,at least when it comes to brewing decent mortal tea."


    He sat up straighter, pride slipping into his voice.


    "With that, I finally had time to focus on my own cultivation and I''ve broken through to the Blood Purification Stage!"


    Yuan wasn''t surprised. The improvement in Ming Ze''s tea was proof enough that his cultivation had advanced. But what truly caught his attention was that Ming Ze had found outer sect disciples capable of meeting his strict standards, even if just at the lowest level.


    Impressive. The Howling Wind Sect really does have a few talented alchemists hiding in the outer ranks, Yuan thought with satisfaction.


    This meant Ming Ze could begin walking the alchemist''s path more seriously,refining not just tea, but real pills. If nurtured well, he could one day sell those pills to disciples or even higher staged cultivators.


    Yuan gave another approving nod.


    And just from that, Ming Ze lit up like a lantern.


    "Other than that," Ming Ze continued, "the tea house has become more of a regular spot for inner sect disciples and high ranking outer sect disciples. The tea I make has proven to be more effective than the usual cultivation pills they rely on, so I''ve managed to form a few connections with several clans and families. While none of them are from the major clans, they still hold respectable positions within the sect''s social hierarchy."


    He paused to take a small sip from his cup, letting out a soft sigh before continuing.


    "But¡­ as we started rising in wealth and status, other outer and even some inner disciples began copying our tea house. Although their tea is nowhere near as refined as mine, a few of them managed to produce brews that can compete with what my staff makes. Because of that, we''ve lost some customers."


    Ming Ze''s voice dipped slightly.


    "Not too many inner sect disciples, thankfully,but a few did leave. It''s definitely impacted our merit point income."


    Yuan raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. He hadn''t expected that kind of competition to form so soon. While not overly concerned, he understood the importance of stamping out such threats early.


    Opening a tea house that produced spiritual tea required a large amount of herb resources,something most couldn''t sustain for long.


    Still, allowing imitators to grow unchecked could cause problems down the line.


    He gave Ming Ze a slight nod, silently signaling for him to continue.


    Ming Ze brightened again.


    "Besides that, a few inner sect disciples became loyal customers. Some even paid generously and earned us a lot of merit points. If I compare myself with the other outer sect disciples now, I''d say I''m probably among the top five wealthiest. My current wealth could rival that of an average inner sect disciple."


    He chuckled before leaning back slightly.


    "But with that wealth came a bit of trouble. A few jealous disciples tried to cause problems,especially some of the outer sect troublemakers. I''m no fighter, so I reached out to one of the inner sect disciples I''d made a deal with. After offering him a monthly big discount on some of our high grade spiritual tea, he agreed to support us."


    Ming Ze''s grin widened.


    "Thanks to him acting as our backer, most of the outer sect troublemakers stopped bothering us. Haha! That one deal saved us a lot of time and headaches!"


    Ming Ze continued, speaking about several other deals he had made with inner sect disciples, as well as the trouble he encountered with a faction that didn''t approve of the young master he had made a deal with.


    There had been tension, but eventually, they had managed to come to an agreement and resolve the issue. That, in short, was what had happened over the last four months regarding the tea house and its growth.


    Yuan found himself a little surprised by how well Ming Ze had handled everything.


    Without strength, money was the only true power in the cultivation world,especially when it came to resolving conflicts with minimal bloodshed. And Ming Ze had done just that. For the mere cost of a few monthly discounts, he had secured protection, expanded his influence, and avoided countless problems.


    Of course, making deals like that would inevitably create enemies.


    But then again, what successful business didn''t have enemies?


    Only unsuccessful ones.


    Yuan let out a quiet chuckle of amusement at the thought.


    He nodded with approval and said, "You''ve handled the situation perfectly. I can''t think of anything you could have done better. Once you''ve told me the rest of your report, I''ll give you a truly good reward for all your efforts."


    The moment the word reward left Yuan''s mouth and not just any reward, but a truly good one!Ming Ze''s eyes lit up with greedy excitement. He immediately stood up and bowed deeply, holding his cup of tea with both hands in a salute.


    "Thank you, Boss, for your generosity!"


    Yuan just chuckled softly at the reaction, giving him a silent nod before taking another sip of tea.

 Events of The Past Four Months

    Ming Ze began to smile and shower Yuan with compliments,about how powerful he was, how mysterious he seemed, and more. But Yuan didn''t cared much for the flattery and simply played along, smiling and letting out a light chuckle before Ming Ze finally shifted back to more important matters.


    "Boss¡­ the information I have about the inner sect disciples is limited," Ming Ze said, his expression turning a bit apologetic. "So regarding people like Alex or Krieger, I honestly don''t know much."


    Yuan simply shook his head, signaling for him to continue.


    Ming Ze let out a heavy sigh.


    "Haah¡­ The situation around Alex seems to be getting worse. From what I''ve heard, he can''t even leave the sect to take on missions anymore. There are even rumors among the outer disciples that he was beaten up by Senior Brother Feng."


    He paused for a moment, his voice growing more serious.


    "Not only that, but it looks like the factions behind Grand Elder Wu and the elder supporting Senior Brother Feng are starting to clash more openly. The tension is bleeding into the rest of the sect,even the outer disciples are being affected. There''s constant humiliation, bullying, and recently¡­ even murder. It''s turning chaotic."


    Yuan gave a slow nod, his expression thoughtful.


    "Hm. Something like this was to be expected," he murmured to himself. "Even if Grand Elder Wu couldn''t confront Feng directly without risking his reputation, he could still retaliate by going after the elder backing him. But from the looks of it, things didn''t go as Grand Elder Wu planned¡­ and now his hands are full dealing with the fallout."


    A faint smirk tugged at Yuan''s lips.


    "That means he doesn''t have the time or attention to look deeper into what really happened at the Thirty Plants Forest. Good."


    Ming Ze began to speak in more detail about Alex''s situation.


    Some rumors claimed that Alex was about to break through to the middle layer of the Blood Purification Stage or that he had already done so. Reaching the middle layer at such a young age was a major event within the sect.


    After all, it meant the sect was investing a significant amount of resources into him.


    And with that attention came a new wave of enemies.


    Disciples who envied him for the resources they lacked.


    Yuan though that this might actually be a scheme by the backer behind that Feng. By pushing Alex into the spotlight, they could be making him more infamous than respected.


    He let out a soft sigh.


    "As it seems,it''s working out. The rumors have spread so far that even the outer disciples have heard of them. If it''s reached them, then the inner sect disciples definitely know as well."


    After Ming Ze talked about everything he knew regarding Alex, he continued with the others who had participated in the tournament.


    Many of them had simply rotted away as outer or unofficial disciples, and two had even died already having joined a faction directly. As for how they died? Well, who knows and who really cares for them?


    But some were still worth mentioning,like Felix the Scholar. He had risen in rank and was already preparing for the upcoming inner sect mission. Not only him, even Emilia and her group, the Silver Snakes, were all about to take part in the sect mission that was scheduled to begin in a week, according to Ming Ze.


    But the one who truly caught Yuan''s attention was someone from their group who had already reached the Blood Purification Stage and directly joined as an inner sect disciple.


    It was Kuang Hao.


    He was the one who had piqued Yuan''s interest, after seeing how he fought.


    Ming Ze said that Kuang Hao had become a criminal after stealing a sacred cultivation technique from the Sect Library Hall. This was something that had shocked many elders, grand elders, and even Sect Master Wang. None of them were prepared for something like that and the news spread quickly, even reaching the ears of the other six sects.


    the most surprising part is that all of this happened just one month after he left the sect.


    Yuan hadn''t heard about it until now, so he was genuinely surprised.


    "What a daring brat he is."That was Yuan''s first thought upon hearing the news. He found himself wondering how Kuang Hao had managed to pull it off.


    "Was he a tiger in sheep''s clothing?"That was the only way it made sense. How else could a mere Blood Purification Stage cultivator succeed in something so bold? Unless¡­ he was actually at the Bone Forging Stage. Or even possibly a Marrow Essence cultivator in disguise.


    And not only had Kuang Hao stolen the cultivation technique¡­ he had actually succeeded in escaping the sect''s pursuit. He had fled without being caught.


    Yuan was amazed for a moment before calming his mind and nodding to Ming Ze.


    "Ming Ze, what about the new rising stars among the outer disciples?" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hearing Yuan''s question, Ming Ze was momentarily stunned. Then, looking a bit embarrassed, he scratched his cheek.


    He had forgotten to mention the current rising stars of the sect.


    "Cough!" After coughing a few times, he composed himself and began to speak again.


    There had been a surge of promising missions in recent months, and thanks to those opportunities, many disciples who just needed a little more time to reach the Blood Purification Stage¡­ had finally succeeded in breaking through.


    This led to a small surge of new Blood Purification Stage cultivators. Among them, the most notable names were:


    Julian from the Martial Sword Hall.Qi Kung, who is part of the Qi family branch and joined the Judge Hall, thanks to the recommendation of a Grand Master.And Wu Chen, from the Wu family who naturally joined the Wu Family''s Defensive Hall faction. However, he wasn''t from the main family line, but rather a branch family, so his importance within the clan was limited.


    Naturally, Ming Ze mentioned a few more names, but these were currently considered the most powerful outer disciples preparing to take on the upcoming inner sect mission. Given their backgrounds, it was clear they would be granted a relatively fair mission.


    Ming Ze even added that Julian had once visited his tea house, tried a cup of his spiritual tea Spring at the Highest and had said he liked it. But he had only visited once.


    Hearing this, Yuan''s thoughts turned inward.


    If Julian found the Spring at the Highest spiritual tea ineffective after a single use¡­ that meant he had already progressed far into the Blood Purification Stage. At least 5%,if not more.


    That put him well above the early stage threshold of 1%, and possibly meant he had reached that level long ago. He might even be under the support of the First Grand Elder himself.


    Yuan fell silent, analyzing what he had just learned,drawing conclusions from the information Ming Ze had provided.


    Seeing Yuan grow quiet, Ming Ze stopped talking as well and waited patiently.


    Five minutes passed, and Yuan came to a few possible conclusions. Perhaps Julian truly was being supported by the First Grand Elder.


    After all, gaining entry into the Judge Hall was no easy feat. And Krieger¡­ he was an abnormal talent in aura cultivation,after all cases like his were exceedingly rare.


    So maybe the First Grand Elder wasn''t just backing the Krieger. Maybe he was also backing Julian in the shadows?


    But without more concrete information, Yuan couldn''t be sure. He let out a quiet sigh, turned toward the still silent Ming Ze, and gave him a small nod.


    Ming Ze smiled brightly."Boss, do you want to know more about Julian?"


    But what Yuan said next surprised him."No. Don''t dig any deeper or ask questions about Julian. It could become dangerous for you."


    Ming Ze''s eyes widened slightly at the warning, but he nodded immediately, accepting Yuan''s words without question.


    Seeing that, Yuan felt pleased by Ming Ze''s attitude. A small smile formed on his lips.


    "Since you''ve finished giving me all the information you''ve gathered," Yuan said calmly, "it''s time I give you your reward."


    The word "reward" made Ming Ze''s eyes widen, glowing with anticipation and greed. His smile turned blissful.


    Yuan reached into his bag of holding, his hand searching for something. After a few moments, he finally pulled it out,a book.


    He placed the book gently on the table next to Ming Ze''s tea.


    Ming Ze leaned forward and read the title aloud, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "Flame Controlling Technique."


    As Ming Ze read the title, Yuan began to speak.


    "This isn''t just an ordinary cultivation technique. It''s something that will guide you on your journey toward the Dao of Alchemy. And if you truly master it¡­ you could one day rise so high that even revenge against the great empires and noble families would be within your reach,without fear and without restraints."


    Ming Ze''s eyes widened in disbelief. Something like this,he had never even dreamed of it.


    Revenge¡­ without caring about the power of nobles or empires?


    It was a thought so bold it shook him to his core.


    His hands trembled slightly as he reached for the book and opened it, slowly flipping through the pages, one by one. Each page sent new shocks through him.


    His face changed constantly,now awe, now disbelief, now reverence,as if the book contained truths beyond mortal comprehension.


    To him, it wasn''t a cultivation technique.


    It was scripture that will help him rise in cultivation.


    Yuan smirked faintly, watching him with calm amusement.


    "He truly knowns the importance this book offers to an alchemist. He''s not just a bit talented,he''s a true talent in the way of alchemy," Yuan thought.


    And so, Yuan waited patiently as Ming Ze absorbed every word, sipping his tea in silence. He entertained himself by watching the Ming zes shifting expressions.


    From shock, to admiration, to confusion, and back again.


    Finally, Ming Ze closed the book and looked up, his expression solemn.


    Then, he stood and bowed deeply to Yuan, offering a full salute with both hands clasped.


    "Thank you, Boss Yuan, for giving me this opportunity! I swear,this one will serve you in this life and even in the next. I will serve until death!"


    "Quite bold words," Yuan thought to himself, but he simply chuckled and gave a small nod.


    "Good. It''s important that you recognize my kindness. So¡­ how much did you actually understand?"


    Ming Ze''s expression turned slightly bitter at the question. He looked down, a bit embarrassed, and rubbed the back of his neck.


    "Boss, the truth is¡­ I didn''t understand much of anything at all! But," he added quickly, his eyes lighting up, "I felt something. It''s like every word in that book was trying to guide me,like it was whispering to my soul."


    He paused for a moment, then smiled sheepishly.


    "I even think¡­ I might be able to make tea better than before. Maybe¡­ maybe I can even create a new spiritual tea,something greater than Spring at the Highest!"


    Yuan smiled quietly at that.


    Ming Ze truly was a rare talent. No.Calling him a genius wouldn''t be right anymore.


    He was slowly becoming a monster in the Dao of Alchemy.


    After all, who in this world had the courage to admit they didn''t understand something? That kind of humility was the seed of true greatness. To acknowledge one''s limits was to begin climbing past them.


    Saying "I don''t understand" wasn''t a weakness.


    It meant he caught a glimpse of a higher path,one that would take him farther than talent alone ever could.


    And because of that¡­


    Yuan''s smile deepened. "Then those are very good news indeed."

 Going into Seclusion

    After a few more pleasantries and some final instructions for Ming Ze, Yuan finally left and returned to his cultivation cave.


    There, he waited for the night to pass. Once morning arrived, he planned to head to the Merit Hall to spend his remaining merit points on useful pills, then inform the Information Hall of his upcoming secluded cultivation.


    And so, he did just that.


    As soon as the sun began to rise, Yuan left his cave and made his way to the Merit Hall. There, he purchased several Spiritual Gathering Pills and Blood Resistance Reduction Pills,spending every last one of his hard earned merit points.


    Once poor again, he walked over to the Information Hall and formally notified them of his intent to enter seclusion for the next few years.


    The officials there raised no objections and promptly granted him permission.


    With that settled, Yuan returned to his cultivation cave.


    He didn''t inform Li Yun about his plans as there was no need to. Li Yun was fully focused on his own cultivation and wouldn''t be emerging anytime soon, not until he attempted the trial to become a core disciple of the main sect, which was still several years away,four or five at the most if he doesnt remember wrongly.


    With no more loose ends to worry about, Yuan sealed the cave entrance, walked over to his cultivation bed, and sat down in the lotus position.


    He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and pulled out one of the pills he had bought.


    Then, without hesitation, he swallowed it.


    One pill became two. Two became three. And soon, every type of pill Yuan had prepared was swallowed,each one fueling his cultivation progression.


    Spiritual essence surged into his body, circulating through his blood flow, only to be expelled again,but not alone. Alongside it came waves of black impurities, which Yuan coughed and vomited out without hesitation.


    Each day, his progress though gradual was steady. His body felt freer as time passed. The connection between him and his blood deepened, to the point where he could sense and control every individual cell.


    But as that euphoric control increased, a subtle resistance began to surface. Weak at first, barely noticeable, but present nonetheless. It began to slightly slow his progress.


    Still, his body grew lighter, denser, and stronger.


    A true, tangible sense of power now coursed through him.


    20%,that was the current level of his spiritual blood infusion. Months of uninterrupted, silent cultivation had raised it from 15% to 20%, each step forward earned through sheer effort and will. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Throughout this entire time, no one disturbed him. Perhaps they had even forgotten he existed.


    The world outside did not wait for him. The sect grew more chaotic by the day. Internal strife among inner sect disciples had escalated. Tension spread like wildfire.


    Ming Ze was probably already undergoing his inner sect mission, aiming to earn his promotion. But even as these thoughts briefly surfaced, Yuan emptied his mind once again.


    He let go of the world outside. None of it mattered now.


    Then, wordlessly, he reached for another pill and swallowed it.


    Time passed once more.


    Yuan''s spiritual blood had already reached 30%. As he slowly opened his eyes, he tried to estimate just how long he had remained in seclusion.


    After a moment of reflection, he guessed that it had been one to two years since he last stepped out of his cultivation cave.


    Anything could have happened during that time. The sect could have gone to war. Ming Ze could be dead,killed during his sect mission.


    Or perhaps he had failed, and all of Yuan''s plans would have crumbled before they could even begin to unfold.


    But now¡­ all Yuan could do was place a little leap of faith in Ming Ze, and hope that his gamble had been the right one.


    His supply of pills had dwindled, but not alarmingly so. He had planned well.


    Even with his increased blood volume and higher spiritual refinement, he still had enough resources to cultivate all the way to the peak of the Blood Purification Stage. There was still a long road ahead,but he had time and strength left.


    Taking a deep breath, Yuan allowed himself a moment to feel the power coursing through his body.


    His spiritual blood had grown vast and dense. At this point, he was confident he could fight Wu Shen and escape without any issue. If he wanted to clash with her and hold out for a time, he would need to reach the middle layer of the stage. To fight her evenly and avoid being pushed back, he would need to reach the higher layer.


    And to kill her he would need to reach the peak of the Blood Purification Stage.


    And that only,if he used every trick and technique he possessed, all without using the Azure Basilisk Flame could he defeat her. He would still be grievously injured, perhaps even on the brink of death¡­ but he would survive. And she would not.


    Aside from that, he had expelled many lingering impurities from his organs,remnants of his old self,now dried and blackened, littering the cave floor.


    The stench was foul, thick and clinging.


    Yuan waved his hand lazily, and the Azure Snake uncoiled from his sleeve, flickering into existence with a faint glow.


    With a silent command, it ignited the impurities in azure flame, burning away every trace of them.


    The Azure Snake could burn anything,even spirits or souls,though Yuan lacked the power to command it at that level just yet.


    Still, it was more than capable of burning the impurities, even those that normally couldn''t be burned.


    Although the Azure Snake had burned all the impurities into nothingness, the foul stench still lingered in the air. Yuan frowned slightly and decided to deal with it properly.


    He drew a simple air cleaning meaning rune onto the ground, and within moments, the thick, polluted air was cleansed,replaced with fresh, clean air.


    This kind of rune was considered ordinary in the higher plane, something used casually even in basic households. But here, in the lower plane, such a rune was likely only accessible to the most elite sects, clans, or noble families.


    To Yuan, however, it was simply routine.


    With the unpleasant smell finally gone, he pulled out another pill and swallowed it. He had not yet reached the first cap,he couldn''t afford to slow down now.


    Closing his eyes, he began circulating his spiritual blood again. He guided it to clash with his normal blood, infusing it with a trace of spiritual essence. He then absorbed more essence through his breath, allowing his body to refine it naturally.


    Yuan controlled every step of the process with precision.


    Yet, as he continued, he could feel the resistance growing stronger. There were no clear signs on the surface, but deep within, he could already sense what was coming.


    At the first cap the 33% threshold,the real struggle would begin. That''s where the spiritual essence and the normal blood would begin clashing like opposing armies.


    More time passed as Yuan focused completely on his cultivation.


    Eventually¡­ he reached it.


    The first cap. 33% spiritual blood. The peak of the early layer.


    Just 1% more and he would step into the middle layer of the Blood Purification Stage.


    But this time, it wasn''t like before.


    The moment he tried to push beyond the cap, he immediately felt the resistance. Unlike the smooth progress he''d had earlier, advancing now would require far more time and effort.


    If he attempted to cultivate without using any pills, he estimated it would take him a year or perhaps even longer to breach this limit.


    Fortunately, Yuan had prepared for this.


    He reached into his bag of holding and retrieved one of the special pills he had taken from the alchemist''s collection.


    It was called the Breaking Blood Layer Pill,one of the most effective pills for breaking through within the Blood Purification Stage.


    The pill worked in a strange and dangerous way.


    It poisoned the normal blood,weakening it, slowing it down, almost as if the body had fallen ill. It made the blood cold and frail, similar to the condition of a sickly mortal.


    The reason most cultivators don''t use the Breaking Blood Layer Pill regularly is simple,while it can weaken the blood and make it easier to control, it also damages the newly formed spiritual blood in the process. If enough of this damaged spiritual blood accumulates, the cultivator will never be able to fully recover or progress further.


    That''s why, even though the pill is effective, most only use it once every few years.


    Another major reason for its limited use is its cost.


    Despite being a pill for the Blood Purification Stage, its price is comparable to that of a Meridian-grade pill. Because of this, most cultivators either can''t afford it or simply don''t want to invest so much in a single breakthrough.


    Only the wealthy noble clans, elite sects, or influential families purchase it for their descendants. Sometimes, a sect might give it to a prodigy they wish to nurture, regardless of the cost.


    As for Yuan, he didn''t care about any of that.


    He already possessed a few of these pills, taken from the alchemist''s collection. Since he owned them, there was no reason to hesitate.


    Without a second thought, he swallowed one of the pills and immediately sat down to cultivate. He gathered all the spiritual essence in his body, preparing to break through to the middle layer of the Blood Purification Stage.


    Then, he waited for the pill to take effect.


    After a few moments, the process began.


    He launched his internal assault on the remaining normal blood,infusing it with spiritual essence. But what he expected to be a smoother path surprised him.


    Even though the pill had weakened the blood, the resistance was far stronger than before.


    Yuan frowned slightly, wondering if the pill had failed to take effect. But the sensation was real,his blood had become sluggish, like that of a sick mortal. Still, the resistance he faced wasn''t easing.


    For an entire week, he fought against it. Day after day, he made almost no visible progress.


    But he didn''t give up.


    Again and again, he pushed forward. He poured everything into the breakthrough,his focus, his will, his determination.


    He forgot the outside world, set aside all schemes, ambitions, and distractions. He even willingly injured his own body just to push the spiritual blood forward.


    But none of it mattered.


    Because Yuan did not care.


    Pain, exhaustion, damage,it was all a part of cultivation.


    He would overcome it all.


    No matter what.


    It could have already been a month since he began, but he was not even halfway through. This was terrible news for Yuan as he had thought it would take only a week at most. But now, a full month had been wasted, and the effects of the Breaking Blood Layer Pill were slowly weakening. Eventually, they became so faint that they no longer affected him at all.


    His blood turned fiercer, pushing back against the spiritual blood, resisting every attempt at being transformed. It actively attacked the invading essence, making it nearly impossible to infect the normal blood efficiently.


    If Yuan wasn''t careful, he risked losing spiritual blood and regressing back dropping all the way back to 32%.


    So, he began to act with precision and care. To an outsider, the scene would have looked utterly ridiculous,like a man waging war against his own blood.


    It truly was a war.


    He would launch sneak attacks with his spiritual blood, only for the normal blood to retaliate in fierce counterattacks.


    A silent internal battle raged,like two armies locked in a strategic struggle, both unwilling to yield.


    And so, a second month passed.


    But slowly,very slowly Yuan began to gain the upper hand. His spiritual blood adapted, learning to strike harder, smarter. Yet even as he weakened the normal blood, it seemed to grow stronger, more refined, the more it resisted.


    It was laughable in some ways,an inner war with his own body blood. But in the end, Yuan won.


    Finally, he reached the last stage: infecting the final 1%.


    This last push was surprisingly easy,like an enemy city that suddenly surrendered. Of course, Yuan knew better. That same enemy was already reinforcing the next stronghold behind it. But for now, he didn''t care.


    After two more days of focused effort, the last of his normal blood had been purified.


    Yuan had finally broken through.


    He was now finally a middle layer Blood Purification Stage cultivator.

 Slow Change in the Sect

    Yuan had finally advanced to the middle layer of the Blood Purification Stage,after nearly two full years of seclusion.


    During all that time, he had heard nothing from the outside world. He had no idea what was happening in the sect¡­ or if anything had happened to Ming Ze.


    He was completely in the dark.But knowing that no one had come knocking on his door, he assumed nothing too urgent had occurred.


    Shifting his focus inward, Yuan began examining the state of his body and the 34% spiritual blood that now flowed through his veins.


    His spiritual blood moved exactly as he willed it fluid, vibrant, and filled with vitality. It responded easily to his control and will.


    He could direct it throughout his body or allow it to flow naturally alongside his normal blood. With a bit of effort, he could even use his spiritual blood to manipulate the flow of his regular blood, bending it to his will.


    At this point, any ordinary poison meant to corrupt his bloodstream would be nearly useless,only effective if Yuan allowed it to work.This was one of the reasons why the Blood Purification Stage was considered the point where a cultivator truly began to transcend mortality.


    After confirming that no hidden injuries lingered in his body, Yuan turned his attention to a deeper question:Why had this breakthrough taken so long?


    He began experimenting,carefully trying to infect his blood with spiritual essence beyond the 34%, toward 35% and as he did, he started to notice several things.


    The first thing Yuan noticed was the true reason why this advancement had been so difficult,it was due to his Blood Fiend Lower Physique.


    Yes, it seemed this unique physique had drastically increased the difficulty of progressing, far more than he had initially expected.


    However, while it made advancement harder, it also caused his blood to undergo a complete transformation.It was now far more vital, intense, and filled with energy.


    For example, the normal blood currently flowing through his body now held nearly three times the vitality and intensity of a regular cultivator''s.This was also the reason why it had felt like he was waging a war against his own blood,it wasn''t just resistance it just was three times the resistance he''d expected.


    Naturally, this had both upsides and downsides.His spiritual blood had become more potent, more resilient, and more powerful than ever,but at the same time, it now required far more resources, time, and effort to progress.


    After a bit of deduction, Yuan estimated that he might need at least ten more years to reach the Meridian Awakening Stage.


    But that timeline was unrealistic.


    He couldn''t afford to remain in secluded cultivation for that long. He still needed to carry out his plans, slowly scheme against the sect, and gather their resources for himself.


    Only by doing so could he break through further and eventually, once he reached the peak of the Bone Forging Stage, enter a deep seclusion to advance to the Marrow Essence Stage.


    Now, with this unexpected complication, it was likely he would need twelve to fourteen years before he could step into the Meridian Awakening Stage.


    Still¡­ that wasn''t necessarily a bad thing.


    Once he reached that stage, his future cultivation would likely proceed far more smoothly. That was the true benefit of the Blood Fiend Lower Physique,it slowed early progress, but laid a foundation that would make future breakthroughs much easier.


    If that meant sacrificing a few extra years now¡­


    It was a price Yuan was willing to pay.


    "Haaa¡­" Yuan sighed as he slowly stretched his arms.They hadn''t moved much in nearly two years.


    With a flick of his hand, he activated the communication rune to inform Ming Ze that he was finally out of seclusion.To his surprise, the response came almost instantly.


    A return signal already? Yuan raised an eyebrow.


    Ming Ze sent him a series of runes detailing where to meet.Yuan nodded to himself, then unsealed his cultivation cave.


    Opening the door, he looked up toward the sky.


    It was gray,clouds thick and heavy.Snow would likely fall soon, signaling the season.


    Winter.


    He resealed the entrance to his cave and calmly began walking toward the Information Hall.Even if they had forgotten about him,perhaps even thought him dead,but he still had to inform them that he had emerged from seclusion.


    Upon reaching the Information Pavilion, Yuan gave a short report.He downplayed his progress, merely stating that he had reached 5% spiritual blood.


    The clerk on duty nodded lazily and waved him off, clearly uninterested.Yuan didn''t mind. In fact, it was better this way.


    With that done, he turned and made his way toward the meeting location Ming Ze had indicated.


    On the way, Yuan couldn''t help but notice a few things.


    There were more people than before occupying the inner sect cultivation caves.Almost every cave he passed on the first level of the peak mountain was now taken,each marked with the insignia of new inner disciples.


    And this was only the first level.


    He hadn''t even looked at the higher floors yet.


    But this alone told him enough the sect is about to enter a golden age, with a wave of talented disciples pouring in,each one hungry for strength, status, and recognition.


    Not only that, but from the few conversations he overheard while walking, Yuan picked up some interesting bits of information.


    The most shocking thing was about Alex.


    Apparently, Alex had already reached the peak of the Blood Purification Stage.


    Yuan froze for a moment, stunned.


    Alex¡­ already at the peak?It didn''t make any sense.


    Even he, with all the resources he''d gathered through months of scheming, robbing, and careful planning, had only just broken through to the middle layer.He had used a huge number of rare pills,pills most cultivators wouldn''t even dream of obtaining and yet Alex had reached the peak?


    "How¡­?" Yuan narrowed his eyes.


    Did they give him that many resources?Marrow Essence Pills? Bone Forging Pills?Why would the sect invest so heavily in one person?


    Unless Alex''s talent was truly that extraordinary.


    Even then, to reach the peak in such a short time... it defied logic.Yuan frowned deeply. The only way this was possible was if the sect had gone all in,providing him with incredibly high grade resources, maybe even some forbidden or ancient techniques.


    But why?


    Was Alex really worth that kind of investment?


    Yuan didn''t have an answer.


    He sighed and decided to let it go for now. He''d ask Ming Ze more about it when they met. If anyone knew the finer details, it would be him. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he continued walking, he noticed a few other changes that caught his attention.


    The sect itself looked¡­ different.


    Slightly, but noticeably.


    The architecture had started to shift.Before, some of the walkways had been plain stone paths,rough and unadorned. Now, those same paths were paved with neatly placed bricks and filled in with decorative lining.


    It was subtle, but it stood out to someone who had walked these same roads for years.


    And it wasn''t just the roads.


    There were new buildings too,structures that didn''t follow the sect''s traditional style.They were odd,rectangular, almost like blocks, with curved roofs that looked slightly out of place amidst the elegance of the older sect design.


    Yuan tilted his head slightly as he passed one of them.


    Change, huh?The sect was shifting growing and evolving.


    He didn''t know whether it was good or bad yet.But he knew this much:


    Something big was happening.


    These were just a few of the new things Yuan noticed, though he didn''t care too much about them. Still, they caught his eye for a brief moment.


    After leaving the regular inner disciple area, he eventually arrived at a lone house standing atop a small mountain. In front of the door stood someone familiar.


    Ming Ze.


    He wore a robe similar in style and color to Yuan''s,a green robe. He was clearly waiting, standing calmly before the door of the house with a small smile on his face.


    Yuan trusted him and made his way up the slope with calm, measured steps.


    As Yuan approached, Ming Ze greeted him with his usual warmth, then opened the door and gestured for him to enter.


    "Welcome back, Boss. I hope your cultivation went well!"


    With that, both of them stepped inside the small house and soon took their seats at a simple wooden table. Ming Ze had already prepared spiritual tea in advance, and the gentle aroma filled the room.


    As they drank, Ming Ze began to recount what had happened during Yuan''s seclusion.


    As it turned out, he had successfully become an inner disciple not long after their last meeting. His assigned sect mission hadn''t been particularly dangerous,it had simply required him to manage a small mortal village for a few months. He handled the task efficiently, and as a result, the sect promoted him.


    During that time, there had been no issues with the tea house either. Business had remained steady and undisturbed.


    And now Ming Ze was a 15% early layered Blood Purification Stage cultivator.


    During this entire time, Ming Ze had earned a considerable amount of merit points,enough to even purchase Meridian Awakening Stage pills.


    Not only that, but his spiritual tea techniques had reached an entirely new level, thanks to the enlightenment he gained from the Flame Controlling Technique.


    Although he still couldn''t cultivate the technique directly, he was slowly comprehending its principles,laying the groundwork so that, when the time came, he could cultivate it with ease.


    But that wasn''t all.


    The tea house had produced several new tea makers, many of whom could now brew spiritual tea that met Ming Ze''s strict standards.


    This freed up more of his time to focus on cultivation. Alongside that, he had formed numerous connections within the sect and even fought against several rival tea houses that had sprung up,ambitious upstarts hoping to overthrow his business.


    In the end, he had emerged victorious in what many referred to as the "War of the Tea Houses." After proving to the sect that he was a true alchemical talent, one of the elders finally took notice and asked him to become his official disciple,an offer Ming Ze happily accepted.


    Yuan listened to all of this in silence, genuinely impressed by Ming Ze''s story.


    From a hopeless outer disciple to a recognized inner disciple¡­ to the offcial disciple of an elder.


    He had risen through the ranks after just one small "war", and even earned himself a nickname within the sect"The Greedy Tea Maker."


    Yuan couldn''t help but chuckle when Ming Ze mentioned it.


    The nearly two years had clearly been eventful for Ming Ze. But Yuan also knew¡­ it couldn''t have been all bright and shiny days.


    There must''ve been struggles, dangers, and dark moments that Ming Ze hadn''t spoken of.


    But he didn''t ask.


    Instead, he smiled faintly and raised his cup in a small toast.


    "Congratulations, Greedy Tea Maker, for finally taking your next step toward revenge."


    ------------------------


    AN: Hey, LazyRedMoon here with a special announcement!


    First of all, thank you so much for reading this chapter! I truly appreciate your support, and I hope you continue to enjoy Journey of True Cultivation. But today''s announcement isn''t about a hiatus or anything like that,so don''t worry!


    Instead, I have some exciting news! Alongside Journey of True Cultivation, I''m starting a second novel called "Suddenly Turned into a God."(On NovelFire or Royal Road)


    As the title suggests, this new story isn''t a xianxia or wuxia. It''s a high fantasy, dark adventure, and progression novel about a god slowly guiding a new race to gain faith and ascend the ranks of the gods.


    It''s a different kind of journey, but one I''m excited to share with you all. I''ll be releasing the first two chapters today, but just a heads-up,the first three chapters are mostly an introduction to the world. So, if you decide to give it a try, feel free to stack the chapters and dive in when you''re ready!


    I hope you''ll consider checking it out or supporting it by adding it to your collection. As always, I''m incredibly grateful for all of you who read Journey of True Cultivation, and I hope to see you in the comments for both stories!


    Until the next chapter!


    -LazyRedMoon

 Ashes, Flames, and Phoenixes

    Ming Ze''s eyes widened at Yuan''s congratulations. For a moment, he stood there, dumbfounded, as if the words hadn''t fully sunk in. When he finally snapped out of his daze, he mumbled under his breath,almost too quietly to hear.


    "Revenge¡­?"


    Seeing Ming Ze''s confused expression, Yuan realized something important. Ming Ze wasn''t nearly as consumed by his desire for revenge as Yuan had assumed. The thought of avenging his mother''s clan¡­ it hadn''t really crossed his mind,even though Yuan reminded him.


    "Has he been too blinded by his greed for merit points? Or maybe he had simply forgotten why he started all of this¡­" Yuan though silently. But he kept his thoughts to himself.


    Perhaps his words from earlier would push Ming Ze to rediscover his true goal and drive him to cultivate even harder.


    A few seconds passed before Ming Ze''s expression shifted. An ashamed, bitter smile crossed his face.


    "Yes¡­ Thank you, Boss, for the reminder."


    Yuan let out a low chuckle, amusement flickering in his eyes.


    "Always keep your goal before your eyes. Because if you lose sight of it¡­ one day, deep down in your heart, you''ll regret never chasing after it."


    Ming Ze nodded, like a child being lectured by a wise elder. The look in his eyes told Yuan everything he needed to know.


    Ming Ze''s respect for him ran deep,perhaps deeper than Yuan had realized. And as it stood now, the chances of Ming Ze betraying him were slim. It would take something extreme,like Yuan stealing all his wealth or betraying him first,to break that loyalty.


    Yuan smiled and took a sip of the spiritual tea. It was the same blend he had tasted last time, but now it was of a much higher quality.


    The spiritual herbs used in its preparation were clearly superior, and the recipe itself seemed to have been refined. The tea''s aroma was richer, its flavor smoother, and its effects more potent.


    This particular brew was especially useful for cultivators around the 20% in the Blood Purification Stage, enhancing their sensitivity to the blood flowing within their bodies.


    For an average early layer Blood Purification Stage cultivator, this kind of tea was exceptionally valuable,aiding them in deepening their connection to their spiritual blood.


    But Yuan wasn''t an average cultivator. He possessed the memories of Basilisk,a rising old monster whose knowledge far surpassed anything Ming Ze could hope to understand.


    Even so, Yuan could tell that this spiritual tea was likely the very blend Ming Ze used for his own cultivation. Which meant¡­


    Ming Ze was offering something precious.


    This tea was valuable to him, perhaps even critical to his own progress. And yet, he was sharing it with Yuan. That alone spoke volumes.


    But Yuan wasn''t naive.


    He understood there was another layer to this gesture. The tea wasn''t only a gift,it should be a test.


    Ming Ze had grown stronger since the last time they met. Although Yuan could easily crush him if they were at the same stage, Ming Ze wouldn''t be aware of that.


    No, Ming Ze was probing him.


    By offering Yuan this particular spiritual tea, Ming Ze intended to gauge his progress.


    If the tea had no effect on Yuan, it would suggest that his spiritual blood had surpassed the 20% ,perhaps even well beyond it. But if Yuan responded to the tea''s effects, Ming Ze would know Yuan''s cultivation level was still below that threshold.


    This knowledge would help Ming Ze determine Yuan''s true strength and, more importantly, how much he could rely on him.


    If Yuan was below 20%, then Ming Ze would likely keep him at arm''s length, repaying past favors with cultivation resources before eventually cutting ties and focusing on his own rise.


    But if Yuan''s progress surpassed that threshold¡­


    It would mean Yuan was truly worthy of Ming Ze''s trust and reliance,possibly even more so than his own master. After all, his master only took notice of him after he had achieved success. Yuan, however, had helped him rise when he was at his lowest.


    That was the difference between the elder¡­ and Yuan.


    At least, that was what Yuan thought.


    After all, Ming Ze had walked a difficult path toward wealth and influence. He couldn''t possibly be a brainless fool. In business, those who couldn''t scheme or plan ahead never rose to prominence.


    "Clever," Yuan mused, his lips curving into a faint smile.


    He took another sip of the spiritual tea, then set the cup back on the table. "Continue. Tell me what else has been happening in the sect."


    Ming Ze coughed a few times, clearing his throat before regaining his usual demeanor. He began to speak, and to Yuan''s mild surprise, he started with the biggest change,the rise of many new inner disciples.


    According to Ming Ze, the sect had recently established an Inner Sect Ranking System, which was divided into four parts.


    The lowest tier was known as the Ashes,this included all disciples who had only recently become inner disciples. It was essentially the starting point for everyone.


    As for how to advance beyond the Ashes, the sect''s method was simple but effective. They had organized a series of tournaments held at different intervals monthly, half yearly, and yearly.


    In each tournament, disciples competed to earn ranking points, which were awarded based on their performance and the rank they achieved. The higher their ranking points, the more their status would rise.


    And the true incentive lay at the top.


    If a disciple managed to break into the Top 10, they would receive numerous cultivation benefits. More importantly, they were granted access to one of the forbidden areas on the peak mountain, a place known for its concentrated spiritual energy.


    However, access was limited.


    The tenth ranked disciple could cultivate there for only one day and the first ranked disciple received ten days,all free of charge.


    Though it wasn''t a large amount of time, the benefits gained from even a single day in that forbidden area were enormous. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For those seeking to strengthen themselves and rise above their peers, it provided a clear and undeniable advantage.


    To advance in the Inner Sect Ranking and become a Rising Flame the next tier above the Ashes,a Ashes must challenge one of the lowest ranked Rising Flames. If they succeed, they take over the rank of the defeated disciple and claim their title as a Rising Flame.


    However, unlike those ranked among the Ashes, Rising Flames lose the privilege of entering the forbidden places on the mountain. Instead, they are granted other benefits.


    For example exemption from sect missions. Rising Flames are allowed to fully focus on cultivation, much like Yuan had done during his nearly two year seclusion. They are provided with monthly pills of decent quality to aid their progress.


    The Top Ten Rising Flames receive even greater benefits. The tenth ranked Rising Flame is allowed to cultivate in the forbidden areas for one week, while the first ranked Rising Flame can remain there for ten weeks.


    But the path doesn''t end there.


    Just as the Ashes challenge the Rising Flames, the Rising Flames may challenge the Young Phoenixes to rank further.


    The Young Phoenixes are the true elite of the inner sect disciples, and their benefits are far greater than those of the Rising Flames.


    The privileges of the Young Phoenixes include access to forbidden places on the mountain once a month for an entire week,a luxury most other disciples could only dream of.


    Permission to delay sect missions without consequence.


    Meridian Awakening Stage pills of their choosing, provided once a month to aid their cultivation.


    But the most coveted benefit was reserved for the first ranked Young Phoenix.


    They were granted the right to challenge one of the Ten True Phoenixes.


    Yes, according to Ming Ze, the sect had declared that only ten True Phoenixes would exist at any given time. These True Phoenixes were considered the most promising candidates for future core disciples of the main sect.


    Their status was nearly equivalent to that of the elders.


    Their privileges were immense:


    They were allowed to move freely throughout the sect, so long as they remained within the boundaries of the sect''s rules.


    They were completely exempt from sect missions for the entirety of their tenure as a True Phoenix.


    They could request guidance or assistance from any of the nine elders, and the elders were required to help them to the best of their abilities.


    To hold the title of a True Phoenix was to stand at the very peak of the inner sect, just one step away from becoming a true core disciple.


    This revelation left Yuan genuinely shocked. It was a complete restructuring of the sect''s power hierarchy among the inner sect disciples,a drastic change that naturally caught him off guard.


    Out of curiosity, Yuan decided to ask, "What rank are you currently at, Ming Ze?"


    Ming Ze could only chuckle bitterly.


    "I''m still one of the Ashes. My ranking is seventh rank, but I''m the weakest in terms of cultivation among the top ten. Thanks to the Flame Controlling Technique, I''ve learned a few useful tricks to improve the flow of my spiritual blood. That gives me a slight advantage in battle that helped me become the seventh ranked¡­ "Ming ze took then a deep breath and then spoke continued to speak.


    "but even then, I can probably only hold my own against a peak early layer Blood Purification Stage disciple. And even then, it would likely leave me with a few injuries or maybe even a serious one."


    "Interesting." Yuan nodded thoughtfully. "It''s good that you''ve managed to learn so much from the Flame Controlling Technique and even devised a way to control your spiritual blood better. That''s impressive progress."


    He paused before continuing, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "But tell me about the other rankings. What''s the minimum requirement for each stage?"


    Ming Ze raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Yuan''s interest. But he quickly shrugged it off and began explaining.


    "To become one of the top ten Ashes, you generally need to be between 20% and 33% spiritual blood infusion. It always fluctuates, but currently, the number one Ash is stuck at the 33% cap and trying to break through before challenging one of the Rising Flames." Yuan nodded in understanding at ming ze''s words and memories the ranking.


    "As for the Rising Flames, they range from around 30% all the way to the peak of the Blood Purification Stage. Some of them are even on the verge of awakening their meridians. That''s the key difference once someone reaches the Meridian Awakening Stage, they qualify to become a Young Phoenix."once again yuan nodded nothing special about this as this was the most logical thing to do.


    "All Young Phoenixes are Meridian Awakening Stage cultivators. The weakest among them have only awakened their first three meridians. Anyone with only two meridians awakened isn''t even allowed to be considered a Young Phoenix,they''re just treated as ordinary inner sect disciples."Ming ze then stopped and then stopped for a moment and began to think and then after a moment he spoke again.


    "As for the top ten Young Phoenixes, their cultivation spans all the way up to the peak of the Meridian Awakening Stage."


    Ming Ze''s expression grew a bit uncertainly as he continued, "And then, there are the True Phoenixes. They''re the ones who have awakened all their meridians."


    Then Ming ze''s eyes became a bit jealous "Every last one of them is preparing to take the test to become core disciples of the main sect with the help of the entire Sect."


    For being always at the actuell chapter follow me on NovelFire or royal road!

 Inner sect Ranking

    Yuan nodded his head. The Ashes, Rising Flames, Young Phoenixes, and True Phoenixes what an interesting system the sect had constructed. It resembled the growth of a Phoenix, a demonic beast known only in legends across the lower plane.


    First, the phoenix begins as nothing but a pile of ashes and weak flames. Then, after a long period of time and then it begin to change, the flames gradually forms the shape of a bird.


    Eventually, it bursts into life, becoming a flaming bird also known as a phoenix.The phoenix after it matures is then called a True Phoenix that had risen from its ashes and became one of the most powerfull beings


    Although the process sounded simple when explained like this, Yuan knew the reality was far more complex. After all, it was said that a phoenix could resurrect itself from its own ashes upon death, undergoing a cycle of destruction and rebirth.


    But beyond the poetic symbolism, Yuan couldn''t help but wonder about something else.


    What happened to those who failed? The inner sect disciples who were defeated and stripped of their ranks,what became of them?


    It was a crucial question. After all, for every person who rose in the rankings, there had to be someone else who fell.


    Yuan''s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "What happens to the ones who fall in rank? Those who are defeated by lower ranked disciples trying to climb higher?"


    Ming Ze thought for a moment before answering. "What happens to those who fall? Well, once they lose their rank, they''re removed from the entire ranking system altogether. They become ordinary inner sect disciples. Most of them try to regain their rank, but only a few succeed."


    "So, they''re simply discarded?" Yuan raised an eyebrow.


    "Yes." Ming Ze nodded. "But there''s still a path for them. If they prove themselves again, they can be accepted as core disciples of the branch sects. That''s the sect''s way of giving them a second chance. Not everyone can reach the level of a True Phoenix or even a Young Phoenix,but those who show persistence and talent still have value."


    Yuan''s expression remained neutral, but his thoughts churned.


    The sect had designed a system where only the strongest could rise, while the weak were cast aside. But even those discarded were given a lifeline, redirected to branch sects where their efforts could still be put to use.


    "Interesting," Yuan replied. It seemed this ranking system didn''t originate from the branch sect itself, but rather from the main sect.


    Although the branch sect would be granted many resources for producing new core disciples, the sect head would be a fool if he didn''t want his branch to grow stronger,with more elders or powerful core sect disciples.


    Considering this, Yuan looked at Ming Ze again and asked another question. However, Ming Ze could only offer a negative reply, admitting he didn''t know much about the main sect''s operations or how the branch sect truly fit into the system.


    But he did mention something else that caught Yuan''s attention. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Although I don''t know much about the main sect or how the branch sect operates, I do know that all the Young Phoenixes can take the main sect mission to become core disciples of the main sect like usual. So, nothing has really changed in that regard."


    Yuan nodded in understanding and pondered the information for a moment. "This just means that all the Young Phoenixes are like the regular geniuses who have a chance to become main core sect disciples. And the True Phoenixes... they''re the ones who are almost guaranteed to become core disciples and serve as some kind of elite among the core disciples there."


    But those were only his thoughts. Yuan couldn''t make any definitive conclusions,he had never been to the main sect himself. And he had no plans to go there anytime soon.


    Although the main sect might hold secrets related to the Basilisk''s Spiritual Sword, he couldn''t risk it. Not yet. Not until he reached the Body Ascension Stage.


    Yuan looked into Ming Ze''s eyes and asked him about the others.The answers he received were both surprising and intriguing.


    The first thing Ming Ze mentioned was the Silver Snakes group. Several of their members had become Rising Flames, with Emilia currently holding the highest rank among them.


    Amalia, who had battled Emilia during the sect tournament, was now ranked first among all the Ashes. That revelation genuinely surprised Yuan.


    Not only that, but Felix had also become a Rising Flame. Although he was near the bottom of the rankings, he was still recognized as one. His reputation had grown, and he was now known as the Elegant Swordsman.


    Daoist Water Lake, who had also participated in the tournament against Yuan, had risen to the status of a Rising Flame as well. In fact, nearly half of the competitors from that tournament had become Rising Flames.


    As for the rest, their fates were divided. Amalia held the top spot among the Ashes, while Ming Ze himself was also ranked within the top ten. Beyond them, a few others had made it into the top 30.


    But overall, only about seven from their group held decent ranks. The rest were either languishing at the bottom of the Ashes... or already dead.


    This information surprised Yuan. He had expected far fewer of his peers to have made significant progress within the sect''s new ranking system.


    Instead, many had surpassed his expectations, which deepened a particular fear in his mind,one that someone, or some group, was manipulating them from the shadows.


    However, out of everyone from the tournament, only Krieger and Alex had made truly significant moves.


    Alex, in particular, had become a point of interest. According to Ming Ze, Alex was currently ranked 12th among the Rising Flames. Despite his progress, he was still locked in a silent war against the core sect disciple Feng.


    But the real battle wasn''t between Alex and Feng. It was between the elder supporting Feng and the grand elder backing Alex.


    Ming Ze admitted he didn''t know much about that conflict. From what he had heard, all information related to their struggle was kept highly confidential,top secret, even.


    And because of that, Ming Ze hadn''t dared to investigate further. As he put it, "I don''t want to poke at the lair of an old dragon."


    Yuan nodded at Ming Ze''s decision to avoid poking too deeply into the affairs of more powerful figures. He figured he would probably do the same if he were in Ming Ze''s position.


    But the same couldn''t be said about Krieger.


    According to Ming Ze, although Krieger wasn''t as prominent as Alex, he had still managed to secure the 29th rank among the Rising Flames.


    With his young age and considerable talent, many considered him a prodigy who had the potential to one day become a True Phoenix,if he continued to grow.


    That revelation genuinely shocked Yuan.


    After all, Krieger was exceptionally talented in Aura. So why hadn''t he already surpassed the other Rising Flames? By all accounts, Krieger''s talent should allow him to easily defeat peak Meridian Awakening Stage cultivators and even challenge those at the Bone Forging Stage.


    "Is he laying low?" Yuan wondered aloud.


    It was the only explanation that made sense to him. Yuan couldn''t believe Krieger was truly that weak. Even if Krieger relied solely on his Aura without any advanced techniques like Yuan''s Azure Snake, his talent alone should have allowed him to rise much higher.


    But that was all Ming Ze knew about the people from their group who had joined the sect together. Yuan couldn''t help but feel a slight disappointment at not uncovering more secrets about them.


    But what could he do?


    He didn''t have a truly powerful intelligence network,just the information Ming Ze gathered using his status and connections. And even then, Ming Ze''s influence was still relatively low.


    He had only just started establishing himself among the core disciples and the halls. Most of his connections were loose and superficial,built on mutual benefits rather than genuine loyalty or friendship. Those who associated with Ming Ze were primarily doing so out of respect for his master, the elder who had taken notice of him.


    That was the only real reason Ming Ze had managed to form connections with so many people.


    Yuan let out a quiet sigh.


    There was nothing he could do except let Ming Ze continue to grow. Investing in others was not an option,not yet, at least. He simply didn''t have the time or resources to do so.


    His cultivation path toward the Meridian Awakening Stage was already proving to be much longer and more challenging than he had initially expected.


    For now, all he could do was focus his efforts and resources on Ming Ze.


    He would give it everything he had.


    Yuan smiled at Ming Ze. "So, are there any other interesting things that happened? What about Kuang Hao,any new updates?"


    Ming Ze raised an eyebrow and began to think before shaking his head. "Sorry Boss, there''s no new news about Kuang Hao. It''s become some kind of taboo topic within the sect. Nobody talks about that incident anymore."


    Ming Ze sighed, but then something seemed to occur to him, sparking Yuan''s interest.


    "But other than Kuang Hao¡­ something did happen involving Julian. The one you told me not to ask more about. He did something no one expected."


    Yuan''s curiosity sharpened. After all, he suspected Julian was secretly supported by the First Grand Elder. He leaned forward, listening to Ming Ze''s report with full attention.


    "Julian rose through the Ashes and Rising Flames ranks incredibly fast. People even started calling him the Young Couchant Dragon because of how quickly he advanced through the Blood Purification Stage. After only one year, he became the first-ranked Rising Flame and he did it as a high-layered Blood Purification Stage cultivator."


    Ming Ze''s expression grew increasingly amazed as he spoke. His tone became excited and almost awed. "But that''s not the most shocking part. When Julian reached the Peak Layer of the Blood Purification Stage, he challenged one of the lowest ranked Young Phoenixes a Meridian Awakening Stage cultivator. It stunned the entire inner sect. Everyone thought he would lose¡­"


    He paused, his face filled with admiration as if recalling the event with vivid clarity.


    "But he won. He actually won the battle and became the lowest ranked Young Phoenix all while still being only at the Peak Layer of the Blood Purification Stage."


    Ming Ze''s excitement only grew, his voice trembling like a child recounting a hero''s tale. "And because of that feat, the inner sect disciples gave him a new title: Trampling Dragon. They say it''s because he trampled over all expectations of the sect and even defeated a Meridian Awakening Stage Young Phoenix!"


    Seeing the gleam of pure admiration in Ming Ze''s eyes, Yuan could only chuckle. Once again, it became clear to him that Ming Ze was still just a child at heart,filled with enthusiasm and hero worship, not the schemer Yuan was becoming.


    Yuan nodded with amusement. "That is indeed very interesting."


    But beneath his calm exterior, Yuan''s suspicions only grew stronger. Julian''s fast rise was far too sudden and a little unnatural. It was even more evidence that he was likely being secretly supported by the First Grand Elder than just risen without any backing.

 Troublesome Development of The Sect

    After finishing their conversation about Julian, they moved on to discuss other matters,mostly how Ming Ze''s tea house was doing and the problems he was facing.


    Ming Ze admitted that, as much as he had grown, he still struggled with trusting others.


    There had even been a time when one of his alchemists betrayed him, leaking the recipes for both his business''s important spiritual tea and regular tea to a rival tea house.


    The incident had given him a severe headache, and he was still dealing with the fallout.


    Yuan listened calmly before offering a few pieces of advice on how to spot potential betrayals. He explained how people who plan to betray often become gradually more distant, their loyalty waning over time.


    Or, as they earn more, their greed grows and they start desiring more than what they are given. Yuan advised Ming Ze to keep a close eye on those who showed such signs and to always have someone monitoring them.


    Ming Ze gratefully thanked Yuan for the advice. Yuan only nodded casually and took another sip from the little spiritual tea left in his cup.


    Then, Yuan reached into his bag of holding and pulled out several pills that were no longer useful to him but could still benefit Ming Ze''s cultivation.


    Ming Ze''s eyes widened at the sight of the pills Yuan handed him with such indifference, as if they were mere trinkets.


    But to Ming Ze, they were treasures,valuable pills that could significantly speed up his cultivation.


    Hurriedly, Ming Ze took out a gourd from his own bag of holding, carefully placed the pills inside, and sealed it with a delighted grin.


    Saving money on cultivation resources was a blessing, and these pills would allow him to progress much faster.


    "Hehehehe..." The thought of saving so much money brought a foolishly happy grin to his face. Ming Ze saluted Yuan respectfully, his voice brimming with gratitude.


    "Thank you, Boss Yuan!"


    But Yuan had already finished his tea and was halfway through opening the door.


    "Until next time, Boss Yuan," Ming Ze called out, bowing as a farewell.


    Yuan just nodded, stepping outside without saying another word.


    A few minutes after Yuan left, Ming Ze took out the gourd in his hand and began laughing like a madman, rubbing it against his face as if it were some kind of lucky talisman.


    "Hehehe¡­" His manic laughter echoed within the small house, but no one was around to hear it. Ming Ze was too caught up in his joy at having saved so much money to care about anything else.


    Meanwhile, Yuan walked away with a contemplative look on his face, his mind already reforming his plans.


    The first thing he needed to do was finally eliminate Emilia. That was an absolute priority,something that had remained on his to do list for far too long.


    Next, he needed to find a reliable sword,one that wouldn''t shatter or break after a single battle. Right now, he had nothing on him but the nearly broken sword he had used against the alchemist.That wouldn''t do.


    But most importantly, Yuan had to consider how to navigate the sect''s ranking tournaments. Perhaps even rise high enough to become a Rising Flame.


    The benefit of being exempt from sect missions was something he truly desired. Having that freedom would allow him to focus on cultivation and his schemes without interference.


    However, claiming the title of Rising Flame meant revealing at least a portion of his strength. This time, he couldn''t simply pass it off as a lucky win.


    Too many eyes would be watching,talented disciples, powerful cultivators, and perhaps even elders.


    While he could fool a Marrow Essence cultivator about his cultivation level and pretend he was still only at the early layer rather than the middle layer, his combat skills and movements would be far harder to disguise.


    An encounter with a truly skilled and talented fighter would expose him if he wasn''t careful. And that kind of attention was precisely what he wanted to avoid.


    Yuan''s eyes narrowed as he considered the situation. It was a delicate balance,one he needed to master if he was to achieve his goals.


    then sat on his cultivation bed in a lotus position, his eyes closed as he began to think. And think. Until he made a final decision.


    "In the end, I must reveal a bit of my strength and fight." Yuan sighed at his own conclusion. He didn''t truly want to fight against others, he preferred to scheme quietly and build his power from the shadows.


    But he had realized something important,although he could continue scheming, he couldn''t rely solely on Ming Ze''s influence. He had to take some matters into his own hands as well.


    "So, it''s decided."


    With that said, he closed his eyes again and began planning how quickly he should rise in the Inner Sect Ranking.


    Days passed as he meticulously laid out his strategy. When he finally opened his eyes, he let out a tired sigh but nodded to himself with determination.


    Knowing that the next Inner Sect Ranking Tournament was only 23 days away, Yuan understood he needed to act quickly. To qualify for the tournament, he had to complete sect missions and earn at least 500 merit points.


    For a typical inner sect disciple, that amount wasn''t too difficult to gather,it was worth roughly two of the lowest tier sect missions.


    So, Yuan did just that. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He accepted simple missions involving the elimination of low ranked Blood Purification Stage demonic beasts.


    After hunting them down and delivering their corpses to the Mission Hall, he had accumulated more than enough merit points to qualify.


    When he finally counted his points, Yuan had about 600 merit points in total. And by then, 20 days had already passed.


    With only three days remaining until the tournament, Yuan made his way toward the Information Hall where all the disciples who wished to register for the event would gather and pay their qualifying fees.


    Yuan now stood before the Information Hall Pavilion. As he looked around, he noticed a line of disciples queued up behind one another.


    He assumed this must be the line for the Inner Sect Ranking Tournament registration, so he approached the disciple standing at the end.


    "Excuse me, fellow disciple, may I ask if this is the queue for the Inner Sect Ranking Tournament registration?" Yuan inquired politely.


    The man turned to face him, gave a simple nod, and then turned back without saying anything else. Yuan didn''t press for more and just stood behind the man, patiently waiting his turn.


    After about ten minutes, Yuan finally managed to register himself for the tournament. However, the registration fee left him nearly broke,he was now down to just 100 merit points.


    Since nothing noteworthy happened during this time, Yuan made his way back to his cultivation cave. As he walked, he thought about the line he had stood in earlier and found himself somewhat surprised.


    He had initially estimated that the sect had around 500 inner sect disciples, but judging by the length of the queue, it seemed that number had significantly increased over time.


    "How many people have joined the Howling Wind Branch Sect recently?" Yuan wondered in amusement as he continued walking.


    On his way, he spotted a few other inner sect disciples. To his surprise, they were wearing a different style of green robe,one that had a flame pattern embroidered on it. Yuan raised an eyebrow at the sight.


    "Did they change the sect robes just for the Inner Sect Ranking?" he mused.


    Ming Ze hadn''t mentioned anything about this change. Perhaps he had forgotten to mention it, or maybe it had become so commonplace that Ming Ze no longer considered it noteworthy.


    Either way, Yuan couldn''t help but feel a bit curious about the sudden change in attire.


    But as Yuan glanced at the disciples wearing the green, flame patterned robes, they paid him no mind. When they noticed him looking their way, they merely snorted in disdain, clearly viewing him as nothing more than a regular green robed inner sect disciple.


    Realizing he had stared at them for too long, Yuan quickly lowered his gaze, pretending to be intimidated or frightened. Playing the part of a timid disciple, he stared at the ground, feigning submission.


    The two disciples scoffed and walked away, ignoring his existence entirely,just as he intended.


    Once Yuan finally reached his cultivation cave, he sealed the entrance and sat down on his cultivation bed.


    This time, he focused on training a technique he hadn''t yet had the time to properly develop, the Thunderclap Gale Strike cultivation technique.


    Now that he had reached the middle layer of the Blood Purification Stage, he could finally practice it without worrying about injuring himself.


    He began by circulating his spiritual blood according to the technique''s specific flow, guiding the energy through his body with precision.


    Each movement required a delicate balance between power and control.


    Drawing his broken sword, Yuan swung it over and over,each strike echoing the principles of the Thunderclap Gale Strike.


    He trained relentlessly. Stroke after stroke. Movement after movement.


    Three days passed in a blur of practice and repetition. Finally, the time had come.


    The Inner Sect Ranking Tournaments were about to begin.


    Adjusting his green robe and swallowing a fasting pill, Yuan stepped out of his cultivation cave and sealed it behind him.


    Taking a deep breath, he looked up at the clear blue sky, the sun shining brightly as usual. Then, with calm, measured steps, he began making his way toward one of the inner sect grounds he had only visited once before,with the inner sect disciple who had guided him around the region, Aqua.


    On the first floor of the peak mountain of the sect lay an area with more than enough space for battles and duels. It was located near the Judging Hall, as the Judges were always responsible for overseeing all battles and trials within the Howling Wind Sect.


    Their role wasn''t just limited to officiating fights; they were also tasked with preventing foul play, ensuring no one was blind enough to use underhanded tricks, and upholding contracts through the use of the Judges'' Contracts,binding agreements enforced by the sect''s laws.


    The place Yuan was heading toward had a fitting name The Palace of Duels and Battles.

 The Palace of Duels and Battles

    The Palace of Duels and Battles wasn''t some glorious arena where countless cultivators gathered.


    Instead, it was a simple training ground consisting of six marked areas designated for combat.


    The so called "palace" was nothing more than these battlefields outlined by crude lines on the ground.


    Its grandiose name was misleading. The place wasn''t called a palace because of its appearance, but rather because of its purpose.


    Here, disciples fought to improve their social standing within the sect. It was a place where reputations were forged or shattered,a battleground of ambition and pride.


    The Howling Wind Sect named it The Palace of Duels and Battles for this very reason.


    There was also a crucial distinction between Duels and Battles.


    Duels were considered honorable engagements within the sect.


    In a Duel, no one was meant to die. It was a test of skill between fellow disciples, where they fought to sharpen their techniques and gauge each other''s progress.


    Betting or gambling on the outcome of a Duel was strictly prohibited, as it was meant to be a pure, honorable competition. The Inner Sect Ranking Tournament itself was classified as a Duel.


    Battles, however, were the exact opposite.


    A Battle was a ruthless clash where combatants fought with the intent to kill, humiliate, or claim something valuable.


    It could be over a treasure, a personal grudge, or simply differing opinions.


    In a Battle, mercy was not expected. The only rules were those enforced by strength.


    As Yuan arrived at The Palace of Duels and Battles, he saw a crowd of inner sect disciples,far more than he had encountered at the registration three days ago. But he wasn''t particularly surprised.


    After all, disciples only needed to register once to participate in the Inner Sect Ranking Tournament. Once registered, they were free to join the competition whenever they wished.


    This convenience naturally attracted a massive turnout.


    Yuan''s eyes swept over the gathering crowd, his mind already calculating and planning his next move.


    The Inner Sect Ranking Tournaments were divided into multiple levels, each catering to disciples of varying strengths and statuses.


    The structure ensured that cultivators could only advance through skill, perseverance, and strategic effort.


    Level 1 Tournament This was the most basic level,where Yuan would be competing. It was meant for the lowest ranked disciples. Only those who reached the top 100 in this level could advance to the Level 2 Tournament.


    Level 2 Tournament Once a disciple entered the top 100, they gained eligibility to compete in the Level 2 Tournament. From here, only the top 20 could qualify for the Level 3 Tournament.


    Level 3 Tournament This level was where the competition truly began to heat up. The top 20 of the Ashes fought against the lowest ranked Rising Flames.


    It was considered the fastest way for ambitious disciples to break into the top 10 of the Rising Flames and secure a higher status.


    These Level 1 to Level 3 tournaments were held every month, providing frequent opportunities for disciples to improve their rank.


    After that, things became more exclusive.


    The Level 4 and 5 Tournaments were held twice a year, these tournaments were reserved for the top 50 Rising Flames and the lowest ranked Young Phoenixes. It was a brutal test of skill where only the strongest participants would rise.


    Then the Level 6 Tournament this was the pinnacle of the inner sect competition, held once a year. It was open only to the Young Phoenixes and the top 10 Rising Flames who sought to challenge them.


    The top ranked Young Phoenix also had the right to challenge one of the Ten True Phoenixes.


    However, the Level 6 Tournament didn''t end there.


    After the Young Phoenixes'' battles, the Ten True Phoenixes themselves could issue challenges to one another,fighting for higher rankings within their exclusive group.


    This system was still relatively new, having only been established for about two years. Because of that, the rankings were not yet accurate and remained somewhat chaotic.


    During the initial implementation, ranks were largely determined by cultivation stage rather than skill.


    For example, someone who had just advanced to the Meridian Awakening Stage at that time was automatically granted the rank of a Rising Flame.


    Additionally, due to the brief history of the system, the higher-ranked Young Phoenixes had only experienced two opportunities to challenge the Ten True Phoenixes.


    This limitation created a backlog of talented disciples eager to climb the ranks.


    The sect''s new ranking structure was ambitious, but far from perfect. And Yuan intended to exploit every flaw he could find.


    This ranking system had faced numerous problems during its initial implementation.


    Even now, the top 50 Young Phoenixes were nearly the same as when the system was first created.


    Naturally, this made it unfair to many new disciples.


    However, the elders had dismissed their complaints, telling them to "shut up and prove themselves." With no real power to change things, most disciples simply swallowed their frustration and moved on.


    The new inner sect disciples were clearly at a disadvantage from the start.


    But the system wasn''t without its benefits. Those who managed to rise through the ranks quickly, like Julian, would draw the attention of the elders and grand elders.


    Ming Ze had also experienced this phenomenon,his rapid progress and talent in spiritual tea making had earned him the notice of a powerful elder.


    But as Yuan continued analyzing the flaws of the inner sect ranking system, the tournament had already begun.


    Two females and three males walked onto the five battle stages. One of the male judges stepped forward and shouted, his voice carrying across the grounds.


    "The Level 1 Tournament will now begin! All inner sect disciples who wish to fight, come to the stage!"


    At his command, the other inner sect disciples began stepping onto the battle stages one by one. They presented their identity slates to the judges before starting their matches.


    After each fight, the judges recorded the results in a small book, noting the names of the competitors, who won, and who lost.


    As the matches continued, the crowd began to thin. Some disciples couldn''t participate in more than one fight, having exhausted themselves entirely in their first battle.


    Yuan stood off to the side, simply observing the process.


    It didn''t take long for him to realize something important.


    This Level 1 Ranking Tournament wasn''t truly a tournament at all.


    It was more like a series of individual battles.


    Winning matches improved a disciple''s ranking, but luck played a significant role.


    If someone fought weaker opponents, they could advance quickly. But if they encountered stronger opponents early on, their chances of progressing plummeted.


    It was a flawed system, one that required a mixture of skill, endurance, and sheer luck to reach the top 100 of the Ashes. Only then could a disciple qualify for the Level 2 Tournament.


    Yuan''s eyes narrowed as he continued to watch. His mind was already working on how to manipulate the system to his advantage.


    But once Yuan had seen enough, he walked onto one of the empty battle stages and waited for someone to challenge him.


    He didn''t have to wait long,just a few seconds passed before his opponent stepped onto the stage.


    The man wore the same inner sect green robe as Yuan. He had long brown hair and an aged face, making him appear like a middle aged man.


    Yuan gave him a polite nod before glancing at the blonde haired female judge overseeing their match.


    Without hesitation, he tossed his identification slate to her, and the brown haired man did the same.


    The judge caught their identification slates effortlessly and gave a slight nod. Her voice was indifferent and cold as she asked, "Weapon?"


    "Sword," Yuan replied.


    "Sword," the brown haired man echoed.


    Since both of them requested swords, the judge tossed identical weapons to each of them.


    Personal weapons were forbidden until the Level 3 Ranking Tournament.


    Until then, all participants were required to use the standard issue swords provided by the sect.


    They both caught their swords easily.


    Yuan gave his weapon a few experimental swings, testing its weight and balance.


    It was a standard, low quality sword, the type most swordsmen had wielded at some point in their training.


    After a few more practice slashes, Yuan felt familiar enough with the weapon.


    He gave a brief nod to the female judge, signaling that he was ready.


    The judge looked toward the brown-haired man, who also nodded in acknowledgment.


    Raising her arm high, she held it there for a moment before letting it fall sharply.


    With the judge''s signal, both Yuan and the brown haired, middle aged man took their fighting stances.


    As the judge''s arm fell completely, they exchanged cold, wordless glances before dashing toward each other.


    Knowing he couldn''t reveal his true strength by ending the fight too quickly, Yuan decided to rely on his Howling Gale Step, aiming to win with pure speed and precision.


    He allowed a small amount of spiritual blood to flow around his toes and foot soles, enhancing his agility.


    With this technique, his ankles gained more strength, allowing him to move three times faster than before.


    The middle aged man''s eyes widened as Yuan''s speed suddenly increased, his body blurring as he outpaced him effortlessly.


    Realizing he couldn''t keep up, the man attempted to abort his slash and dodge to the right, hoping to avoid Yuan''s attack.


    But Yuan anticipated his move.


    Adjusting his steps mid dash, Yuan shifted to the right with fluid precision.


    He reached the man before he could fully dodge, sweeping his leg forward and tripping him.


    The middle aged man lost his balance, his feet slipping from beneath him.


    Before he could comprehend what had happened, he collapsed to the ground, his sword clattering uselessly beside him.


    And there, pressed firmly against his neck, was Yuan''s sword.


    "Stop." The female judge''s voice rang out sharply, her tone firm and commanding.


    Yuan halted immediately, standing still on the battle stage as he looked toward the judge.


    She tossed his identification slate back to him with a casual flick of her wrist and waved her hand dismissively.


    Understanding her gesture, Yuan calmly tossed the sword back to her before leaving the battle stage.


    Meanwhile, the middle aged man remained on the ground, his expression dazed and confused.


    Everything had happened far too quickly.


    Only now did he fully realize what had transpired. With a heavy sigh, he acknowledged his defeat.


    But before he could gather himself, the female judge''s slightly annoyed voice cut through his thoughts.


    "Don''t daydream in the middle of the battle stage."


    The middle aged man flinched at her words, a tremor running through his body.


    Hastily, he threw the sword back to the judge, who caught it effortlessly.


    When she tossed his identification slate to him, he snatched it out of the air and tucked it back into his sleeve.


    He sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping with defeat as he walked off the battle stage, muttering under his breath with a tone heavy with frustration.


    "Lost another fight..."


    But while the middle aged man was left feeling dejected, Yuan felt satisfied.


    He had won the fight efficiently without revealing too much of his strength. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Better yet, he still had enough spiritual blood to continue his act.


    Deciding to keep his momentum going, Yuan rested for about ten minutes before making his way toward another battle stage.

 Rising in the Rankings

    Many fights had begun and ended before Yuan took on his next opponent in the inner sect ranking tournament. Unlike his previous battle against the middle aged man, this time Yuan faced a young man.


    Their duel lasted about ten minutes,an intense clash that appeared hard fought from an outsider''s perspective. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course, Yuan made sure to act like it was the most difficult fight he''d ever faced.


    In truth, his opponent was only a newly advanced early layered Blood Purification Stage cultivator. The young man ran out of spiritual blood before Yuan did, which allowed Yuan to claim victory.


    After the fight ended, Yuan pretended to be completely exhausted, his breathing labored and his steps unsteady.


    He made sure to stagger as he left The Palace of Duels and Battles, his gait slow and his breaths deep and strained.


    He acted carefully,just in case someone was watching him or trying to see through his performance.


    Better to be cautious than to arouse suspicion.


    After walking for about twenty minutes, he finally arrived at his cultivation cave.


    Yuan unsealed the entrance, stepped inside, and sealed the door behind him.


    "Haaa¡­" Yuan let out a relieved sigh and muttered under his breath.


    "Pretending to be exhausted is really annoying."


    Shaking his head, Yuan sat down on his cultivation bed and assumed the lotus position.


    Now that he was safely alone, he closed his eyes and began to cultivate.


    After all, he needed to make the most of every moment he had. Efficiency was key.


    Two days had passed since the monthly Inner Sect Ranking Tournament, and the results had finally been announced.


    Yuan, who was cultivating within his cave, opened his black azure eyes and stood up.


    After unsealing the door, he stepped outside and resealed it behind him. With his cave now secure, he began making his way toward the third floor of the mountain peak.


    He climbed the staircases, his footsteps steady and deliberate.


    When he reached the third floor of the mountain peak, he found himself in an open area designated for inner sect disciples.


    Around fifty disciples both male and female were gathered there, their conversations buzzing with excitement and speculation.


    At the center of the clearing stood a smooth wall with a large sheet of paper hanging from it, covered with countless names and numbers.


    "Oh, Amelia finally left the Ashes rankings and became a Rising Flame!" someone exclaimed with enthusiasm.


    "Yes! Did you see her battle? It was truly a fierce fight,Amelia nearly lost!" another disciple responded, his eyes wide with excitement.


    "It really was. If she hadn''t risked using that last technique of hers, she would''ve lost the fight against that Rising Flame!"


    Yuan overheard many conversations, but most of the disciples seemed focused on Amelia''s achievement.


    It appeared she had managed to break free from the Ashes and rise to the rank of a Rising Flame.


    Ignoring the chattering crowd, Yuan calmly approached the smooth wall where the rankings of the Ashes were listed.


    His eyes scanned the paper, searching for his name and his new rank.


    As Yuan was clearly not among the higher ranked disciples, so he started his search from the bottom of the list. It took him a few minutes of scanning before he finally found his name and rank.


    "Rank 365: Inner Sect Disciple Yuan ¨C Wins: 2, Losses: 0."


    "Rank 365? Not bad," Yuan muttered under his breath, satisfied with the result.


    His rank was clearly on the lower end of the Ashes rankings, but considering he had only participated in one Level 1 Tournament, he was pleased with his placement.


    Curious about the total number of disciples currently listed in the Ashes rankings, Yuan continued to examine the bottom of the board.


    There were around 490 ranked disciples in total.


    "That''s quite a large number," Yuan thought, his brows furrowing.


    When he first joined the Howling Wind Branch Sect, there were only 500 inner sect disciples. Now, 490 of them were listed within the Ashes rankings.


    But what troubled him most was the implication of those numbers.


    "How could so many new inner sect disciples have joined the Howling Wind Branch Sect in such a short time? What about the other sects and the five families?"


    Yuan''s thoughts churned as he tried to understand the sudden influx of disciples.


    What made the Howling Wind Sect so special that it would begin growing at such a rapid pace? And why now, of all times?


    His eyes glinted with a faint, deep azure as his mind continued to piece together the puzzle.


    If the Howling Wind Sect was expanding its ranks so quickly, how could the other sects ignore this development? What were they doing in response?


    The conclusion came to him like a sudden chill.


    "A war is about to happen."


    The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying. Yuan''s eyes narrowed, his mind already racing with possibilities.


    But this revelation only led to more questions.


    Why was the sect pushing for such rapid growth now? And just how large would this war be?


    "Haaa¡­" Yuan could only sigh at his thoughts as he walked back to his cultivation cave. He had seen all he needed to see and decided it was best to continue cultivating in silence.


    Since he had completed two missions beforehand, he could now cultivate undisturbed for an entire month without concerning himself with the outside world.


    But nearly halfway through his month of cultivation, Yuan suddenly broke out of his meditation.


    A realization struck him,something he had completely pushed to the back of his mind amidst all the recent chaos.


    The Colorless Mind Demon Binding Poison.


    The poison was still lurking around his spirit!


    While it was currently powerless against him, Yuan knew he couldn''t ignore it forever.


    He needed to deal with Emilia once and for all.


    With that thought cemented in his mind, Yuan began to draw a rune to notify Ming Ze to meet him.


    After confirming that Ming Ze had received his message, Yuan took a moment to stabilize his cultivation.


    During this month, he had already broken through the 36% mark of the Blood Purification Stage.


    He circulated his spiritual blood, ensuring everything flowed smoothly.


    Once he felt confident in his control, he left his cultivation cave and made his way to one of Ming Ze''s tea houses.


    There, he booked a private room and ordered a simple black tea.


    The room was situated near the edge of the tea house, ensuring that no one would accidentally see or overhear their conversation.


    After waiting for about five minutes, Ming Ze finally arrived, holding the black tea in his hands.


    With a cheerful smile on his face, he entered the room and placed the tea before Yuan. His demeanor was as friendly and eager as ever.


    "Hello, Boss Yuan. How can I serve you?"


    Yuan smiled at Ming Ze and spoke calmly, "Keep an eye on Emilia''s next sect mission. When she takes one, notify me directly through the rune, use the special method. For everything else, use the usual approach."


    Ming Ze nodded firmly and bowed, "Yes, Boss Yuan!"


    Their meeting was brief and unplanned, held in the middle of the day.


    Ming Ze had other tasks to attend to, so he quickly took his leave, leaving Yuan alone to enjoy his black tea in silence.


    Although black tea wasn''t his favorite, Ming Ze''s skill made it taste far better than most. It carried a rich, earthy, smoky, and floral flavor.


    However, the lack of high quality spiritual herbs meant it fell short of the refined taste that spiritual tea provided, something Yuan preferred far more.


    Once he finished his tea, Yuan paid 10 merit points to the tea house and left.


    He returned to his cultivation cave and resumed his training, immersing himself completely in cultivation.


    The month passed, and his progress was decent,he had reached the 37% mark.


    But achieving that result had required the use of many pills, which only served to frustrate him.


    "Must I return to the robbery method again?" Yuan sighed at the thought. Though effective, it was a path that could attract far too much attention.


    The time came for the next Level 1 Inner Sect Ranking Tournament, Yuan participated as usual, fighting against other inner sect disciples.


    After the tournament, he returned to his cultivation cave, rested for two days, and then went to check the ranking wall.


    Since he hadn''t lost a single fight thus far, his rank continued to climb steadily.


    After that, Yuan took on a few more missions.


    For an entire month, he hunted demonic beasts relentlessly.


    Then, as the Inner Sect Tournament approached once more, he participated, winning two battles, this time against someone a bit more well known.


    He continued the same pattern.Resting, checking the ranking wall, taking sect missions, participating in the next Inner Sect Ranking Tournament, and repeating the cycle.


    This routine continued for two more months until, finally, Ming Ze sent him the signal Yuan had been waiting for.


    This time, when Yuan visited the tea house, Ming Ze didn''t come to meet him in person.


    Instead, he left a detailed note with all the information Yuan needed.


    Reading the note, Yuan couldn''t help but smile.


    His grin widened, and a low chuckle escaped his lips.


    "Finally, it''s time to meet again, Emilia."


    For being always at the actuell chapter follow me on NovelFire or royal road!

 Adventure of a Group of Friends

    A warm day stretched across the sky, only a few clouds drifting lazily overhead. On an old, worn road, a black carriage adorned with intricate, fancy patterns rolled steadily forward, its appearance shrouded in a touch of mystery.


    The entire carriage was drawn by a Demonic Mountain Horse, a striking white Horse bound by a leash held firmly by a young man.


    The young man looked as though he had just reached adulthood. His short black hair framed tired eyes, dark circles visible beneath his sharp blue gaze. He wore a green robe decorated with flame patterns, marking him as part of the sect.


    Behind him walked four companions. Three women and one man.


    All of them wore similar robes, though one of the women wore only a plain green robe, lacking the embroidered flames. They all sat in the lotus position, focused intently on their cultivation.


    All except for one.


    A woman with long black hair and a well proportioned figure lay sprawled comfortably on her back, her eyes closed as she basked in the tranquil sounds of nature.


    The birds chirped. The wind whispered through the air. The carriage wheels creaked, their rhythm matching the steady stomping of the Demonic Mountain Horse''s hooves.


    But then, her crystal like black eyes snapped open. With an irritated click of her tongue, she glanced toward the young man serving as the coachman, Ron and broke the silence with a complaint.


    "Ron, how much longer until we arrive? I can''t stand waiting on this carriage any longer!" Emilia complained, her voice thick with irritation. "I''m bored!"


    Her tone grated on Ron''s nerves, but it was nothing new. Complaints and impatience were part of Emilia''s usual behavior, something all of them had learned to endure.


    Unfortunately for Ron, today was the day his patience ran thin.


    "Haaa¡­" Ron let out a weary sigh, his reply laced with cold indifference. "We still need a day. Sleep or something. Maybe cultivate like all proper cultivators do."


    "Tsk." Emilia clicked her tongue in frustration. "There''s nothing interesting on this damn old road. No demonic beasts attacking us, no desperate travelers needing our help. Nothing! It''s nothing like the stories Grandpa read to me from those books."


    "Oh, heavens¡­ Why must I be the one to endure her complaints today? What horrible sins have I committed to deserve this punishment?" Ron muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible.


    "Please, Heavens, spare this lowly one!" he added with a dramatic glance skyward, as if praying for divine intervention.


    Before Emilia could fire back another complaint, one of their companions opened his eyes, his meditation interrupted by the constant chatter.


    Jack.


    He wore the same green robe as the others, his shoulder length blond hair framing sharp green eyes that now glared at Emilia with clear annoyance.


    "Would you just be quiet, Emilia?" Jack snapped. "Some of us are actually trying to reach the peak of the early layer of the Blood Purification Stage. So, for once, just shut up."


    The bluntness of his words left no room for argument.


    "Say that again! Who should shut up? Me? Ha! Is that what you dream about in your sleep? Then keep dreaming!" Emilia shot back at Jack without a moment''s hesitation.


    Hearing Emilia''s sharp retort, Jack''s lips twitched with irritation. His fists clenched tightly, and his spiritual blood began to circulate through his body, stirring like a storm ready to break.


    But before the situation could escalate, a tired, exasperated voice cut through the tension. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Please don''t make Jack angry, Emilia. You know he hates it when someone interrupts his cultivation," Amalia said in a weary, almost bored tone. It was clear she''d repeated those words countless times before.


    "What did you just say?" Jack snapped, his glare shifting toward Amalia, eyes blazing with barely contained fury.


    But before his anger could fully ignite, Jack forcefully reined himself in. He squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep, measured breath.


    "In¡­ out¡­ in¡­ out¡­" he muttered under his breath, his shoulders gradually relaxing as he brought himself back under control.


    "Good?" Ron asked, concern etched on his face as he glanced at Jack.


    Jack gave a curt nod, his expression still strained but no longer on the verge of exploding. Ron let out a long sigh of relief, grateful the situation hadn''t spiraled out of control.


    He couldn''t help but recall the last time Jack snapped at Emilia. Their argument had turned into a fight so heated that Ron, Amalia, and the others had been forced to intervene just to keep Jack from attacking Emilia.


    But that wasn''t the real problem.


    The true danger lay in how Jack''s rage consumed him. When his temper flared, it was like a poison tainting his reason. He would lash out at anyone who tried to stop him, even his own companions, as if they were complete strangers.


    Since then, Ron and Amalia had done their best to keep Jack''s temper from boiling over. But Emilia''s chaotic nature made her impossible to control.


    She did whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, with little regard for the consequences.


    And, as Ron had come to realize, she seemed to enjoy pushing Jack''s buttons just to see him lose control.


    Truly, having someone like her as a companion in their Silver Snake group was more of a curse than a blessing.


    But despite her antics, the five of them had somehow become friends. No one wanted to kick her out, so they simply accepted their fate and tried to live with it.


    Even if it drove them all insane.


    "Hehehe." Emilia chuckled at their behavior, her laughter light and mocking, just enough to irritate everyone present, including Anna, who was supposedly cultivating.


    Or was she?


    No one really knew if Anna was genuinely immersed in her training or merely pretending. But by now, they were all used to her quiet presence and her tendency to ignore the chaos around her.


    As Jack and Amalia returned to their cultivation, Emilia suddenly spoke up, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.


    "Since we''re all awake and clearly not that focused on our cultivation, why don''t we take a little break and play a few games of chess?" she suggested, her tone as excited as if she had just proposed a method to elevate their cultivation to the next stage.


    None of them wanted to play.


    But the alternative was enduring Emilia''s endless complaints and nagging. So, reluctantly, they agreed. After all, a few rounds of chess were far less torturous than listening to her whine for hours on end.


    They began to play, only Ron and Anna abstaining.


    Ron because he was still holding the leash of the demonic Mountain Horse, and Anna because she was either cultivating or feigning cultivation, as usual.


    So, the three of them played alone, their matches filled with half hearted moves and distracted gazes.


    Time crept by until the uneventful day finally came to an end.


    But the next morning, as the demonic Mountain Horse rested and drank from a nearby stream, the group set up two small tents and began preparing breakfast.


    Anna and Ron worked together to cook a simple soup, while Emilia, Amalia, and Jack sat groggily on the ground, still shaking off the remnants of sleep.


    Ron and Anna had already been awake for some time, their attention focused on cooking and keeping an eye out for potential threats.


    But then, as they rested and allowed themselves a moment of calm, the sound of rolling wheels reached their ears, a carriage approaching from the distance.


    The unexpected noise snapped them to attention, their gazes shifting toward the road.


    Curious and cautious, they left their campsite to investigate, leaving only Ron and Anna behind to finish cooking the soup and maintain their vigilance.


    After about two hundred meters, Emilia, Amalia, and Jack arrived at the old road and hid behind a cluster of bushes.


    In the distance, roughly four hundred meters away, they could see a battle damaged carriage moving slowly along the road. The vehicle''s exterior was battered, splintered wood and deep scratches marring its surface.


    They squinted, trying to make out who was driving the carriage. But from such a distance, all they could discern was a blurry silhouette.


    "Is that a man¡­ or?" Amalia asked, her voice uncertain.


    Jack and Emilia exchanged glances before nodding hesitantly.


    "Did they run into bandits or something?" Emilia mused. "Maybe they survived an attack and are heading to Splitting Mountain City like us."


    "Could be," Amalia replied. The carriage certainly looked worn out and damaged from battle. Even the demonic beast pulling it was moving slowly, its body wrapped in bandages that spoke of recent injuries.


    "Should we help?" Jack asked, glancing at the two women.


    They both fell silent for a moment, thinking it over. Finally, Emilia nodded and looked to Amalia, who also gave her agreement with a slight nod.


    "But before we go," Amalia said coldly, her gaze shifting to Jack. "Go back to Ron and Anna. Let them know we''re heading over to check the situation. And just in case¡­ tell them to stop cooking and be ready to come near if a fight breaks out."


    Jack nodded and turned back toward the tents without a word, his pace quick and steady.


    "Come on," Emilia said with a grin, motioning for Amalia to follow her. Without waiting for a response, Emilia strode forward, making her way toward the damaged carriage.


    The closer they drew, the clearer the silhouette became. But as they approached, Emilia and Amalia realized this wasn''t a man at all. No, it was a boy, no older than ten years.


    The young boy''s robes were torn and ragged, stained with dried blood. Dark circles framed his green eyes, and his black hair was matted with patches of dried blood as well.


    Seeing this, both Emilia and Amalia''s eyes widened. They exchanged a quick glance and nodded in agreement. Without hesitation, Amalia stepped forward, appearing suddenly in front of the carriage.


    "Hey, do you need some help?" Amalia called out, her voice gentle and calm.


    The moment the boy heard her voice, his eyes went wide with horror. His expression twisted into shock and pure, unfiltered fear.


    Every emotion was laid bare on his face.


    Panic, distrust, desperation.


    He took several deep, shaky breaths, trying to steady himself. After a moment, he gathered enough courage to stutter a response.


    "Wh-who¡­ who are y-you? Wha-what do y-you want?"


    Amalia''s voice remained soft, her tone soothing. "Do you need help? Are you okay? I have some pills that could heal your wounds. Or, if you prefer, I also have some mortal medicine for your injuries. We can even help treat your mount if it''s hurt."


    The boy swallowed hard, his throat dry. "I¡­ I don''t have money!"


    Amalia shook her head slowly, offering a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry about money. I''m an inner sect disciple of the Howling Wind Sect. I don''t care about something as mundane as coins. I just want to help you."


    "Howling Wind Sect?" The boy''s voice trembled as he repeated the words, his eyes growing even wider in shock.


    Amalia nodded, keeping her movements slow and non-threatening. She stepped closer, and seeing her calm demeanor, the boy''s shoulders finally relaxed. His fear seemed to ease, replaced by a cautious but growing sense of relief.


    Now standing before the boy, Amalia pulled a small jar of cream from her sleeve. She gently applied it to his face and arms, her touch careful and soothing. As she worked, she began to question him softly.


    "What happened to you? Why are you out here alone? You know it''s dangerous to travel without protection."


    The boy''s cheeks flushed at her gentle touch, and he quickly looked away, his gaze shifting nervously. After a moment, he began to speak, his voice trembling.


    "A few bandits attacked our carriage. We had a few peak Mortal Awakening Stage cultivators and even two Blood Purification Stage cultivators with us¡­ They fought them off."


    But as he continued, his voice grew strained, the sadness in his tone deepening. His eyes glistened as tears began to gather.


    "But¡­ we were outnumbered. The bandits were too many. Most of us¡­ most of us died." Tears spilled from his eyes, streaming down his cheeks as his small hands clenched into trembling fists.


    "At the end¡­ somehow, only I survived. The bandits¡­ they were all killed along with the cultivators who tried to protect us." His words came out in broken, choked sobs as he recounted how the bandits had fought their group like wild animals. The memory of blood and violence haunted his gaze.


    Hearing his story, Amalia felt her chest tighten with sympathy. She let out a quiet sigh and gently stroked the boy''s head, her fingers threading softly through his blood covered hair.


    "Don''t worry. You''re not alone anymore," Amalia assured him, her voice firm but kind. "I''m here with a few other disciples. We''ll take you to Splitting Mountain City safely. I promise you that."


    The boy looked up at her, his tear streaked face showing a glimmer of hope. He nodded weakly, his body still trembling from the trauma.


    Satisfied that he was calm enough to move, Amalia carefully lifted the boy onto her back, carrying him with slow, steady steps. After giving the injured demonic beast a few healing pills, she began the walk back to their resting place.


    She moved carefully, mindful of the boy''s weight and the fragile state of his emotions. With each step, she tried to reassure him,both through her words and her presence.

 Sudden Betrayel

    Sitting in the carriage, the young boy, Zhen Li, was currently being fed by Amalia, which made Zhen Li''s face flush red with embarrassment.


    Amalia only chuckled at his reaction, finding his shyness somewhat endearing. But as she continued to feed him, Jack occasionally glanced their way, his expression growing increasingly sour.


    Seeing this, Emilia couldn''t help but make fun of him.


    "Dare to say that again!" Jack snapped, his eyes blazing with anger. His sudden outburst instantly alerted Ron and the previously silent, still eating Anna.


    "What is it that I won''t dare to say?" Emilia taunted, her voice mocking and playful. "I''ll say whatever I want, however I want! And I''ll always say that you really li¡ª"


    Before Emilia could finish her sentence, Ron shot her a glare as cold as ice, his eyes sharp and unyielding. The intensity of his gaze made both Emilia and Jack shudder, their words freezing in their throats.


    As if nothing had happened, Ron turned away and calmly resumed eating his soup. Emilia and Jack exchanged uneasy glances before following suit, quietly finishing their meals.


    Once they had finished eating, everyone packed their belongings into their bags of holding and climbed into the carriage with Zhen Li.


    Unlike before, no one entered a cultivation state. This time, they all remained awake, talking openly about various topics. They joked, laughed, and carefully tried to learn more about Zhen Li''s past.


    Zhen Li, meanwhile, grew increasingly tired. He eventually lay down in the carriage, his body relaxing as if he were about to drift off to sleep.


    But as his head rested on the makeshift pillow, Zhen Li''s eyes turned cold, his expression hardening before he allowed his eyelids to fall shut.


    As Zhen Li''s eyes closed, Emilia, who had been glancing around idly, suddenly felt something strange, something she hadn''t experienced in years.


    The sensation grew rapidly, swelling within her chest like a poison spreading through her veins. An old memory surfaced, clawing its way into her mind.


    Nearly three years ago... A young boy who had joined the sect alongside her. The poison her grandfather had used to bind him to her,to grant her control over him.


    She recalled the brutal act, and the horrific cries of the boy as his spirit was shackled.


    Until now, she had completely forgotten about him. After hearing that, despite being the first to become an inner sect disciple, he was still weak and unsupported, she''d dismissed him as irrelevant.


    Just another pawn who failed to meet expectations of her grandfather and so ignored him.


    But now¡­


    The faint, distant connection she''d felt all those years ago suddenly roared back to life. But it wasn''t just there.It was burning.


    Agony.


    "Cough, cough!" Emilia choked, her throat tightening as she hacked painfully, her hands clutching at her chest.


    Her coughing grew worse, more violent. Amalia and Jack turned to her, alarmed by the sudden fit. Even Anna looked up from her quiet place in the carriage, her usually impassive expression showing a hint of concern.


    "Everything alright? Do you need something?" Ron asked hastily, his voice tight with worry.


    But Emilia couldn''t answer. She collapsed to her knees on the floor of the carriage, her body convulsing as fresh waves of pain tore through her mind.


    The bond,whatever remnants of the poison still linked her to that boy,was tearing at her spirit.


    "Cough! Cough!" Blood splattered from her lips, staining the floor as her entire body trembled.


    Seeing her condition, Ron immediately yanked the leash, forcing the Demonic Mountain Horse to halt. The carriage lurched as it stopped, but Ron didn''t care.


    Amalia, Jack, and Anna rushed toward Emilia, their faces pale with panic.


    "Hey! Wake up! What''s happening?" Jack shouted, his voice frantic. Without thinking, he slapped her cheeks a few times, his strikes firm enough to cause pain but not harm.


    "Come on, Emilia! Snap out of it!"


    But his efforts were useless. Emilia didn''t react to his voice or the pain. Her eyes were glazed over, her breaths ragged. Blood trickled from her lips as her body continued to convulse.


    The pain she felt wasn''t just physical. It was something deeper,something bound to her very soul.


    "I have a blood pressure pill that will help stabilize her blood flow and clear her mind, but only for a short while," Amalia said hastily. She reached into her bag of holding, her fingers fumbling through the contents in desperate search of the pill.


    While she searched, Anna and Ron scanned their surroundings, eyes sharp and wary. Possible ambushes were the first thing on their minds.


    Meanwhile, Jack held Emilia tightly, his spiritual blood flaring as he tried to assess her condition.


    None of them understood what was happening to Emilia. Everything had changed so suddenly.one moment, everything was calm. The next, chaos erupted.


    But in their frantic scramble, they forgot about one person.


    Zhen Li.


    The boy''s eyes snapped open, his gaze cold and indifferent.


    From his sleeve, Zhen Li drew a small, razor sharp dagger, gripping it firmly with a killer''s precision. With deliberate, silent steps, he moved behind Amalia, who was still rummaging through her bag of holding. Her focus was entirely on finding the pill, on helping Emilia.


    She never saw the attack coming.


    With a swift, merciless slash, Zhen Li''s dagger cut across Amalia''s exposed neck. Blood sprayed from the wound, splattering across the carriage.


    She collapsed instantly, eyes wide with shock. Dead before she even understood what had happened.


    Ron and Anna noticed the blood first. Their heads snapped toward Zhen Li, who stood above Amalia''s body, dagger gleaming red.


    Their eyes widened. First in shock, then in rage and betrayal.


    "What the hell?!" Ron roared, fury twisting his expression as he drew his sword from his bag of holding and lunged toward the boy.


    Anna followed, her movements just as swift and merciless. Her sword slipped free from its sheath with a cold, metallic hiss.


    But Zhen Li wasn''t finished. His next target was Jack.


    He lunged forward, dagger aiming for Jack''s throat. But Jack''s reflexes saved him, just barely. He jerked to the side, the blade whistling past his neck.


    Zhen Li''s attack missed.


    For a split second, their eyes met. Jack''s face twisted with confusion and fear. But Zhen Li''s gaze remained calm.


    He prepared to strike again, but the others were too close. Anna and Ron were upon him, their weapons raised and fury burning in their eyes.


    Realizing he would be overwhelmed if he stayed, Zhen Li leaped from the carriage and darted away, his small form moving with surprising speed.


    As Amalia died, Emilia''s pain vanished like a candle flame snuffed out. Her body relaxed, but her eyes widened in horror as they locked onto Amalia''s half severed neck, blood still pouring from the wound.


    Confusion and shock twisted Emilia''s expression. Tears streamed down her face, falling uncontrollably as she stared at her dead companion.


    But while she crumbled, Ron and Anna were locked in a frantic clash with Zhen Li.


    Their blades slashed and stabbed, their movements swift and precise. But Zhen Li slipped through their attacks like water, dodging each strike with unnatural agility. They were nearly helpless against him.


    Gritting his teeth, Ron let his spiritual blood surge through his body, his muscles trembling with the effort. He poured everything into his movements, increasing both his speed and strength.


    Anna mirrored his actions, her eyes narrowed and her breathing steady as she focused.


    But even then, Zhen Li dodged every attack. His small frame danced between their swords, his smile calm and mocking.


    Rage bubbled over in Ron''s chest. His movements grew reckless, each slash more desperate than the last.


    "Why did you do this, you bastard?!" Ron roared, his voice cracking with fury. "She helped you!"


    Zhen Li''s response was nothing but a silent smile, his lips curling into something both innocent and sinister.


    Anna''s eyes narrowed as she watched him. Something was wrong.


    It wasn''t just Zhen Li''s skill that disturbed her. It was his eyes.


    They were black azure.


    The realization hit her like a blade to the chest, and she instinctively took a step back, her mind racing.


    Meanwhile, Ron''s fury only intensified. He charged forward, his sword swinging wildly, abandoning any semblance of technique or discipline. Pure rage drove his every move.


    Amidst the chaos, a new sound tore through the air.


    A scream.


    But not a war cry. It was the sound of someone shattered, a soul fractured beyond repair.


    "WHYYYY!"


    Jack''s voice was raw, ripped from the deepest part of his chest. He had collapsed to his knees, his hands clutching his head as if trying to hold his mind together.


    Tears streamed down his face, his eyes bloodshot and wild. His sanity teetered on the edge of collapse, madness twisting his features into something almost unrecognizable.


    "WHYYYY!" he screamed again, his voice echoing across the clearing, a desperate wail that seemed to pierce the heavens themselves.


    Jack''s scream shattered the air, raw and desperate.


    The sound snapped Emilia out of her grief, her eyes blinking as if she''d been torn from a nightmare. Even Ron''s fury melted away, his body stiffening at the sudden, jarring cry.


    But that moment of hesitation was all Yuan needed.


    His dagger shot forward, aimed to pierce through Ron''s stomach. Ron managed to twist at the last second, but not enough to avoid the blow completely. The blade drove into his waist instead, sinking deep.


    "Argh!" Ron gasped, his body crumpling as blood spilled from the wound. His sword clattered to the ground, forgotten as he dropped to his knees and coughed up blood.


    Yuan''s eyes remained cold and calculating. He moved to pull the dagger free, but Anna''s sword came slashing toward him, her strikes wild and vicious.


    Forced to retreat, Yuan released the dagger and stepped back, narrowly dodging Anna''s furious assault.


    "Damn you! I''ll kill you!" Anna roared, her voice laced with both rage and panic. She struck again and again, each swing intended to take Yuan''s life.


    But Yuan danced away from her attacks, his movements smooth and controlled. To her frustration, he slipped through her strikes like an flink wind, his black azure eyes gleaming with icy precision.


    Amidst the chaos, Emilia pulled her own sword from her bag of holding. Her hands trembled as she pointed it toward Yuan, her chest heaving with shallow breaths.


    No. This wasn''t just some boy.


    She finally saw his eyes clearly. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was him. It was a pair of eyes he would never forget, but she still forget about him.


    The one her grandfather had poisoned and bound. The one she''d dismissed as unimportant, abandoned to struggle on his own.


    And now, he had returned.


    Emilia''s voice shook, but her eyes remained locked on Yuan''s. Regret, fear, and confusion twisted her expression.


    "Why¡­?" she whispered, her voice strained. "Why are you doing this? Why did you kill her? Why¡­ why didn''t you just kill me instead¡­ Yuan?"


    Her words hung in the air like a curse, her expression pleading for answers even as her hands continued to tremble.


    Emilia''s words hung in the air, echoing like a curse. Anna''s eyes widened in shock. She stumbled back, her gaze locked on the boy standing before them.


    Did Emilia just call him¡­ Yuan?


    But before she could process what that meant, the boy smiled. A chilling, empty smile that sent a shiver down her spine.


    With a smooth motion, he reached into his sleeve and drew out a sword. The blade gleamed in the daylight, sharp and merciless.


    A quiet chuckle escaped his lips, the sound cold and hollow.


    "Why, you ask, Emilia?" he said, his tone mocking and almost amused. "You really want to know why?"


    Before their horrified eyes, his body began to change.


    The innocent looking child''s features twisted and shifted. Blond hair darkened, strands turning as black as night.


    His green eyes bled away, replaced by a unique and unsettling shade. Black azure, sharp and unyielding.


    He grew taller, his body expanding, muscles filling out until he stood at a height of around 1.70 meters. His hair cascaded down to his hips, framing his indifferent, almost bored expression.


    The transformation was swift and unnatural, like a nightmare given form.


    Anna''s hands trembled, her breath shallow. Beside her, Emilia stood frozen, eyes locked on the figure before her.


    But Jack''s screams of anguish continued, his sanity shattered beyond repair.


    Yuan''s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. His black azure eyes pierced through Emilia''s crystal like black eyes with a chilling intensity.


    "You really want to know why?" he continued, his voice smooth but devoid of warmth.


    "That''s simple, Emilia." His words were a blade cutting through the air. "I just want to get rid of all your little friends. To erase everything connected to you."


    "So that you can be forgotten."


    The smile on his face widened, amusement flickering in his gaze.


    "It''s just that simple," he said with eerie calmness. "So, die."


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 Chaotic fight

    "Just Die?" Emilia muttered softly, her voice trembling with confusion. Her eyes were wide, unable to grasp Yuan''s cruel simplicity. But Yuan had no interest in her bewilderment.


    Without hesitation, he dashed directly toward Anna, who was still too stunned by the truth to react in time.


    Their swords clashed with a metallic ring. Anna''s movements were stiff and uncertain, her mind still reeling from the revelation. Yuan''s strikes, however, were swift and merciless.


    At the same time, Jack''s rage began to shift. His frenzied cries quieted, his wild eyes narrowing as his fury locked onto Yuan instead of the heavens.


    Without a second thought, he charged forward, rushing toward Yuan and Anna like a beast seeking vengeance.


    Anna snapped out of her daze just in time to see Amalia''s blood covered corpse lying motionless on the ground. The sight of her friend''s lifeless body sent a fresh wave of anger and regret surging through her veins.


    Gritting her teeth, she tightened her grip on her sword.


    "Sorry¡­" Emilia whispered under her breath, her voice shaking with guilt as she glanced at Amalia''s body. Swallowing her emotions, she turned her attention to the ongoing battle.


    But as she looked toward the fight, her eyes widened in horror.


    Jack''s arm was gone.


    Blood gushed from the stump where his limb had been severed, his agonized scream tearing through the air.


    "AAAHHH!" Jack howled, staggering backward in pain.


    Yuan moved to finish him off, his sword arcing down with lethal precision. But Anna stepped in, her blade intercepting his strike just in time.


    "Tsk." Yuan clicked his tongue in annoyance. Without hesitation, he raised his leg and delivered a powerful kick to Anna''s side.


    He had channeled a surge of spiritual blood into the strike, making his leg feel as heavy as a mountain. The force of the blow sent Anna stumbling backward, her body nearly crumpling under the sheer weight of the attack.


    As Yuan''s leg slammed into Anna''s, she instinctively channeled her spiritual blood to reinforce the injured limb, hoping to stabilize her balance before collapsing.


    Miraculously, she succeeded. But the effort came at a cost.


    Her leg throbbed with agony, her muscles trembling under the strain. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, her body struggling to endure the damage.


    Even so, Anna didn''t give Yuan the opening he was hoping for. Her stance remained firm, her sword poised and ready. But the blow had taken its toll.


    "Her leg must be injured now¡­ It''s almost broken. One more strike, and she won''t be able to walk at all." Yuan''s inner smile grew cold and sharp, his eyes gleaming with ruthless calculation. But just as he prepared to strike again, he sensed the next attack coming from behind.


    In an instant, he stepped sharply to the right, narrowly dodging Ron''s sword as it cut through the air. Without hesitation, Yuan retaliated, his own blade lashing out to pierce Ron''s chest.


    But before his strike could land, another sword intercepted his own.


    Emilia.


    She had finally joined the fight, her weapon blocking his attack with a fierce determination.


    Yuan''s eyes met hers, his gaze icy and indifferent. But he didn''t linger. With calculated precision, he took a step back as Anna rushed forward, her sword slicing toward him in a desperate bid to drive him away.


    The brief reprieve gave Yuan just enough time to reconsider his approach.


    "I couldn''t kill any of the other four, but I''ve severely injured one. Another can''t bend down or fight properly, and Anna''s leg is nearly broken. They''re weakening... but there are still too many of them. Should I use the Azure Snake to end this quickly?"


    The thought of releasing his Azure Snake was tempting, but Yuan dismissed the idea almost immediately.


    "No. Until now, I haven''t killed any strong opponents without relying on it. I have to do this without the Azure Snake. But¡­ just in case, I should be ready to use it at any moment."


    Resolving himself, Yuan began to quietly form the Azure Snake beneath his sleeve.


    Through relentless training, he had learned to shape and manipulate the Azure Snake anywhere along his body.


    He could now conceal it until the perfect moment, hidden from view unless someone cut through his robe or struck his arm.


    The trap was already being set.


    As Yuan continued to use his Howling Gale Step and Wind Cutter Slash, the four of them gradually grew accustomed to his attacks.


    Their coordination improved, their defenses sharpening with each clash. Yuan could see it in their eyes,determination mixed with desperation.


    Recognizing their growing familiarity with his techniques, Yuan shifted his approach. He began to circulate his spiritual blood in the distinct pattern required for the Thunderclap Gale Strike.


    Unlike his other techniques, this one was far more demanding. It required several moments of careful preparation before he could unleash it effectively.


    His spiritual blood coursed through his right arm, spiraling around his muscles in concentrated waves.


    Unlike the Wind Cutter Slash, which only required blood to support his fingertips and wrist, this technique demanded power from his entire arm.


    Muscles, tendons, and bones working in perfect harmony.


    As Yuan carefully prepared the Thunderclap Gale Strike, he noticed Emilia dashing toward him with Ron close behind, their weapons flashing with every strike.


    Anna remained back, her eyes locked on Yuan, studying his movements with cold precision.


    Yuan''s eyes narrowed, his gaze turning sharp and focused.


    He dodged Emilia''s relentless attacks with swift steps backward, slipping to the right whenever her blade grew too close.


    Ron, seeing what he believed to be a gap in Yuan''s defense, lunged forward with a powerful slash.


    Yuan evaded, but the sudden assault forced him to retreat several more steps. The cuts and strikes continued to rain down, leaving him with little breathing room.


    The two of them coordinated their attacks well, making it difficult for him to find an opening to counter.


    But for Yuan, this was ideal.


    The more they pressed him, the more time he had to complete the preparation for his Thunderclap Gale Strike.


    Four seconds passed. And those precious seconds allowed him to gather his spiritual blood, swirling it through his entire right arm, building the energy necessary to unleash his technique.


    A decision crystallized in his mind.


    Channeling the momentum of his Howling Gale Steps, Yuan propelled himself forward with explosive speed. His body blurred as he dashed directly toward Ron.


    Ron''s eyes widened in confusion, his reaction a split second too slow. By the time he realized Yuan was already in front of him, it was far too late.


    A single blink later, Ron''s head flew high into the air, severed cleanly from his body. Yuan''s arm tensed, muscles throbbing painfully, one of the consequences of using the Thunderclap Gale Strike.


    Thanks to his Red Aura, the damage would heal in about ten seconds. But in a fight, ten seconds was an eternity.


    While not a fatal drawback, it was still a weakness that could be exploited.


    Yet, the price Yuan paid for beheading Ron was worth it.


    Blood sprayed from Ron''s neck, raining down upon Yuan and staining his clothes with fresh crimson. The metallic scent filled the air, sharp and nauseating.


    As Ron''s severed head soared through the sky, Anna and Emilia stared in horror, their eyes wide and uncomprehending.


    Anna''s gaze locked onto the headless corpse of her companion. Tears spilled from her eyes, her face twisted in grief and disbelief. She stood frozen, overwhelmed by the brutal reality of what had just happened.


    Yuan granted them that moment of shock, knowing he couldn''t strike effectively until his arm recovered. In the meantime, he could only dodge or defend, so he used those precious seconds to prepare.


    With his left hand, he reached into his right sleeve and drew a small dagger coated with poison,a subtle, deadly weapon he''d been saving for just such an opportunity.


    The glint of the poisoned blade brought Emilia and Anna out of their daze. As Ron''s head hit the ground with a sickening thud, they both focused their attention back on Yuan.


    Emilia''s face paled, her eyes darting between Yuan and the dagger. But Anna¡­


    Anna''s eyes burned with fury. Any hint of composure shattered by Ron''s death. Her rage boiled over, obliterating her reason.


    With a scream of pure hatred, Anna lunged at Yuan, her sword flashing toward him with savage speed and power. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yuan met her fury with a cold, mocking smile, his amusement only deepening at her emotional outburst.


    And seeing that expression only fueled her rage further.


    "DIE, YOU BASTARD!" Anna screamed, her voice raw and broken as she charged at Yuan, her sword slicing through the air with desperate fury.


    Yuan dashed toward her as well, his dagger held in a reverse grip in his left hand. As their weapons clashed, Yuan parried Anna''s sword with his own, their blades grinding against each other with a metallic screech.


    Anna gripped her sword with both hands, pouring all her strength and rage into each strike. She was blind to everything but her own hatred.


    Yuan exploited that.


    Just as he had done before, he raised his left arm, slashing the poisoned dagger toward her exposed side.


    Anna''s eyes widened as she saw the blade coming for her. Instinctively, she shifted her body to dodge the strike.


    But then a voice could be heard.


    "DON''T DODGE! IT''S A FEINT!" Emilia''s scream tore through the air.


    Too late.


    Anna had already moved, her focus on avoiding the dagger. In doing so, she forgot about Yuan''s legs.


    With ruthless precision, Yuan''s foot lashed out, smashing into her shin with a force amplified by his spiritual blood.


    CRACK.


    A sickening snap echoed as Anna''s leg bone shattered, splintering through her skin and gleaming a ghastly white.


    She collapsed to the ground with a piercing, agonized scream, her body convulsing from the pain.


    "AAAAHHH!!" Her cry echoed through the forest, raw and desperate.


    Yuan glanced at her fallen form but didn''t move in to finish her off. He didn''t have the time.


    Emilia was already behind him.


    Her sword lashed toward him in a desperate, vengeful arc. Yuan narrowly dodged, twisting his body to the side and leaving Anna writhing on the ground.


    But her screams continued to ring in Emilia''s ears. Hearing that torment,seeing her friend''s shattered leg sent chills racing down Emilia''s spine.


    Fear clawed at her chest, mingling with rage.


    "WHY?!" Emilia screamed, her voice cracking with terror and fury. Her eyes burned with conflicting emotions,both desperate hatred and trembling fear.


    "Is she breaking down now? Good." Yuan allowed himself a smile, his amusement evident even in the heat of battle.


    He opened his mouth to taunt her, to break her resolve further, but something caught his attention.


    A faint, rustling sound from behind him.


    Without hesitation, his instincts flared, urging him to dodge.


    Yuan leaped forward, but not quickly enough.


    A blade tore across his back, leaving a deep, burning gash. Blood spilled from the wound, seeping into his clothes and staining them crimson.


    Yuan glanced over his shoulder and saw something he hadn''t expected.


    Jack, who should have been writhing on the ground in agony was standing, his eyes wild and bloodshot, madness flickering within them.


    His right arm was gone, severed at the shoulder, but his remaining hand clenched his sword with a death grip.


    His gaze held nothing but pure, unrestrained rage. A desperation that cared nothing for life or death.


    Yuan''s eyes narrowed. He knew this type all too well. The ones who abandoned reason and threw themselves into battle with nothing but fury to guide them. They were the most irritating to kill. Predictable, yes, but relentless.


    Before Yuan could act, Emilia dashed at him from the front, her sword aimed directly at his chest. Her strikes came fast, wild with anger and desperation.


    With Jack lunging from behind and Emilia charging from the front, Yuan found himself boxed in. His front and back were both no go zones. His left and right held only slight possibilities.


    But then Yuan remembered, Jack''s right arm was gone. His left hand swings were clumsy, weak and lacking precision.


    With a smirk, Yuan stepped to the right.


    Predictably, both of them followed.


    Their emotions were raw, their focus too narrow. It made them sloppy.


    "So¡­" Yuan taunted, his voice dripping with sarcastic amusement. "From five to two, is it? Hehehe."


    He let out a dark chuckle, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he watched their reactions. Emilia''s fury grew, her eyes widening with both anger and fear and Jack who''s madness deepen further.

 The End of the Silver Snakes

    "DIE!" Both of them roared as they rushed at Yuan like wild animals, their rage blinding them to strategy.


    Yuan''s sword met Emilia''s with a sharp clang, their blades locked for a brief moment before separating.


    With his other hand, he blocked Jack''s erratic swings, his poisoned dagger clashing against Jack''s blade with dull thuds.


    To anyone else, it might have looked like chaos. But to Yuan, it was nothing more than a game.


    Jack''s stamina was rapidly depleting, his remaining spiritual blood waning with every reckless strike. The blood that still oozed from his severed arm only worsened his condition, each heartbeat draining him further.


    He''s losing strength¡­ Yuan noted, his cold eyes flickering with calculated disdain. Just a little longer and he''ll collapse from blood loss.


    But that would take too long. He needed to end this quickly.


    They clashed again and again, the metallic shriek of swords clashing filling the air. With each exchange, Jack''s swings grew slower, his movements sloppier. His breathing was ragged, and his face pale.


    Finally, Jack stumbled, his knees buckling for a mere instant as pain ripped through his body.


    It was all Yuan needed.


    In a blur of movement, Yuan''s dagger whipped forward, slashing across Jack''s remaining arm. The blade bit deep into his flesh, leaving a jagged wound stained with poison.


    Jack howled in pain, his eyes widening as he staggered backward. Blood seeped from the new wound, mingling with the sweat pouring down his face.


    But Yuan''s strike had come at a cost.


    "BASTARD!" Emilia''s scream tore through the air as she threw herself at Yuan, her sword slashing wildly. Her Crystal black eyes blazed with hatred, her strikes driven by desperation rather than skill.


    Yuan blocked her attack with his sword, his arm trembling slightly from the force of her blow. He took a quick step back, creating distance between himself and Jack.


    Now, several meters away from his prey, Yuan watched with mild amusement.


    The damage was already done.


    Jack''s arm trembled violently as the poison began to take effect. Panic flickered in his eyes as he looked down at the wound, his breath coming in short, frantic gasps.


    "What¡­ What did you do to me?" Jack choked out, his voice slurred and weak.


    But Yuan only smirked, his gaze cold and merciless.


    Both Jack and Emilia had no idea what kind of poison the dagger was stained with. And without knowing, they couldn''t determine what kind of antidote pill to use.


    "Alone now, aren''t you?" Yuan''s voice dripped with sarcasm, his black azure eyes gleaming with amusement as he looked down at Emilia''s sad, regretful gaze.


    Hearing his mocking tone, Emilia gritted her teeth and snapped back, her voice trembling with emotion.


    "So what? It''s already happened, so what''s there to say?" She laughed bitterly, the sound hollow and strained. "Should I be sorry for my grandfather using you as a slave? Should I ask for forgiveness for staying silent back then? Would you stop if I begged you?"


    Her hands trembled as she continued, her voice breaking.


    "What if I fell to my knees and groveled for your mercy? What if I offered my body to you? Would you have stopped then?"


    Yuan''s expression didn''t change. If anything, her words only seemed to amuse him.


    "Forgiveness?" he repeated, his tone oddly calm. "You think this is about something as simple as revenge?"


    His words made her pause, eyes widening in disbelief. She''d expected him to mock her or strike her down. But this?


    "Asking you to atone for your grandfather''s sins was never my intention." Yuan''s voice was cold, his gaze sharp and unyielding. "You misunderstand, Emilia."


    "Then¡­ why?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Yuan continued, his tone almost bored.


    "The reason I attacked you and your friends has nothing to do with your grandfather. You were never important enough to be the reason." His words were delivered with an icy indifference that left her stunned.


    "But¡­ there is one thing that is your mistake." Yuan''s eyes narrowed, his voice growing colder. "You know too much."


    Emilia''s breath caught in her throat, confusion turning into terror.


    "Curse your grandfather for not binding me to him instead of you," Yuan said with a quiet, almost pitying smile. "Your existence is a liability. You made yourself a target the moment we became bounded to each other."


    She couldn''t believe it. Revenge wasn''t his goal, only the elimination of those who posed a threat to him.


    Her shock left her paralyzed, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and disbelief.


    And that moment of hesitation was all Yuan needed.


    Before Emilia could react, Yuan surged forward. A sharp blow to the side of her head sent her crumpling to the ground, unconscious.


    Yuan stood over her fallen body, his expression devoid of pity or remorse.


    He reached down and pried her sword from her limp hand, then swiftly took her bag of holding.


    Yuan sighed, his shoulders relaxing as the battle finally came to an end.


    "Haaa¡­ It''s over."


    He glanced at Jack, who lay writhing on the ground, his skin pale and slick with sweat. The poison from Yuan''s dagger coursed through his veins, disrupting his blood and spiritual energy.


    The agony from his severed arm only worsened his suffering. He clutched his body, his cries of pain echoing through the blood soaked clearing.


    Yuan approached him with slow, measured steps. Jack''s sword had already slipped from his grasp, lying forgotten on the ground.


    He didn''t even notice Yuan standing over him.


    But Yuan''s gaze held no pity. Only icy indifference.


    Without hesitation, he raised his foot and brought it down on Jack''s neck.


    A sickening crunch.


    Jack''s neck snapped beneath the weight of Yuan''s heel, his head twisting at a grotesque angle. Blood spattered across the dirt, painting the ground a deeper shade of red.


    But Yuan didn''t care. His robes were already soaked with blood. A little more made no difference.


    He looked up and spotted Anna, sprawled on the ground. She stared at him with hollow, lifeless eyes. Her body was trembling, her broken leg twisted unnaturally.


    But the look in her eyes¡­


    She''d already accepted death.


    Yuan could see it plainly. The resignation. The finality.


    But that is a lie.


    She would still try something desperate.One last effort to take him down with her.


    But he wasn''t going to play her game.


    Yuan raised his dagger and threw it with precision.


    Anna''s eyes widened. Her body moved instinctively, rolling away to dodge the blade.


    But Yuan had anticipated her reaction.


    Before she could even recover from dodging the dagger, Yuan''s sword followed. The weapon sailed through the air and pierced her chest, burying itself deep.


    Her breath hitched. Her shocked eyes locked onto him, frozen in a final expression of disbelief.


    Then, her body collapsed, lifeless.


    Yuan waited, his gaze fixed on her corpse. When he was sure she was truly dead, he exhaled a quiet breath.


    He turned away from Anna''s body, his gaze drifting to the bloodstained battlefield. It was over. All of them were dead.


    But Yuan''s expression remained calm, his eyes void of emotion.


    Yuan moved with cold efficiency, his steps steady as he approached Jack''s corpse. Blood pooled beneath the body, staining the grass a dark, sickly crimson.


    Without hesitation, Yuan crouched down and rifled through Jack''s belongings.


    He pulled out Jack''s bag of holding and inspected it briefly before tossing it into his own. His sword followed.


    Next, he moved to Amalia and Ron. Their lifeless bodies lay crumpled and twisted, eyes frozen in expressions of terror and pain.


    Yuan looted them both with the same indifference, stashing their weapons and bags of holding away.


    Once finished, he set their bodies ablaze, watching the flames consume flesh and bone. The acrid scent of burning meat filled the air, but Yuan''s expression remained unchanged.


    Finally, he arrived before Anna''s corpse. Her dead eyes were wide with shock, her mouth partially open as if trying to utter one last plea.


    Yuan inspected her bag of holding carefully, turning it over in his hand.


    A small smile crept across his lips.


    "Hehehe¡­ So, you tempered your own bag of holding, huh? How foolish of you to think that would stop me."


    He tossed the tampered bag aside and set her body alight, the crackling of flames drowning out the quiet of the forest. Now, only he and Emilia were left in this blood soaked clearing.


    His wound had healed long ago, and he estimated he''d only expended about 20% of his spiritual blood during the battle,something he could recover within a day or two.


    Satisfied, Yuan grabbed Emilia by the neck and lifted her unconscious body with ease. Her head lolled limply, her breathing faint but steady.


    As he walked away from the burning corpses, he began reviewing the battle in his mind, his expression thoughtful.


    "Only three techniques¡­ That''s a serious flaw. If I can only rely on the Howling Gale Step, Wind Cutter Slash, and Thunderclap Gale Strike, then my combat style is far too predictable. It is Limited."


    He continued to trudge forward, Emilia''s body swinging limply in his grip.


    "I need to learn more techniques suitable for the Blood Purification Stage. Something versatile¡­ adaptable. Who knows? It might be useful in the future."


    He glanced at Emilia, her lifeless form swaying with each step.


    "With her in my hands, I might not have to waste as much time as I thought perfecting those techniques."


    Finding a small cave he had previously scouted while searching for Emilia''s group, Yuan ducked his head and entered.


    The cave wasn''t impressive. Just a hollow dug into the side of a rocky hill, about ten meters long and wide. The ceiling was low, but the air was dry and stale.


    "Good enough," Yuan muttered.


    He walked to the deepest part of the cave and unceremoniously tossed Emilia''s body to the ground. She hit the stone floor with a dull thud.


    A smile curled Yuan''s lips as he looked down at her.


    "Now¡­ the real work begins."


    The sharp pain of her head striking stone jolted Emilia awake. Her black eyes flickered open, unfocused and glazed with confusion.


    Everything was dark, damp, and cold. Her body ached from being tossed to the ground like a broken doll.


    Blinking, she tried to piece together what had happened. Then, she saw him.


    Yuan stood before her, his figure painted in crimson from head to toe. Blood soaked his clothes, smeared across his face and hands like a macabre mask.


    His black azure eyes gleamed with cold indifference, their depths reflecting not even a sliver of mercy.


    He looked more like a demon than a man.


    Her body trembled, her limbs refusing to obey her commands. Even speaking felt like a challenge, her voice cracking under the weight of her terror.


    "Wh-what about my f-friends?" she stammered, her words little more than a frightened gasp.


    Yuan''s reply came swiftly, his tone clipped and indifferent.


    "Dead."


    The word dropped like a stone, shattering the last threads of hope she clung to.


    The silence that followed was absolute,cold and merciless. It filled the cave, pressing down on her chest until breathing felt impossible.


    Then the sobs came. Harsh, ugly, choking cries that tore through her throat and left her gasping for air. Tears streamed down her face, mixing with the dirt and blood smeared across her skin.


    She didn''t care how she looked. She didn''t care about anything anymore. Everything she had known was gone.


    But Yuan''s expression remained unchanged. He gazed down at her with an almost clinical detachment, as if her suffering was nothing more than an interesting puzzle.


    "Do you know," he began, his voice calm and almost conversational, "I think we were brought together by fate. At the last moment, when I was about to kill you, something came to my mind. A possibility I must confirm."


    Emilia''s sobs continued, her gaze unfocused and distant. She didn''t hear him. Or perhaps she refused to.


    "But here''s the thing," Yuan continued, his tone growing colder. "If my suspicion is wrong, you''ll be spared from further pain and just die, but If I''m right"


    He paused, a hint of curiosity flickering in his gaze.


    "¡­then you''re about to experience something far worse than death."


    His words barely registered. Emilia''s eyes were losing their light, her mind retreating into itself, trying to shield her from the cruel reality before her.


    But Yuan was not one to allow such mercy.


    He bit down on his thumb, drawing blood. The deep red liquid glistened against his skin, thick with spiritual blood.


    Without hesitation, he grabbed Emilia''s head, his fingers gripping her hair painfully as he forced her mouth open.


    She let out a strangled yelp of surprise, her eyes widening with terror as his blood trickled onto her tongue. Before she could spit it out, he clamped her mouth shut, his grip unrelenting.


    "Swallow."


    The command was absolute. Her throat convulsed involuntarily, the blood sliding down despite her desperate attempts to resist.


    Immediately, agony tore through her body.


    Her skin burned as if seared by molten iron, every nerve alight with scorching pain. The temperature within her rose to a fever pitch, sweat pouring from her skin in torrents.


    It was as if her blood had turned to fire.


    "No,No! AAAAHHHH!"


    Every sound felt amplified, like nails being driven into her skull. Her own screams echoed inside her head, multiplied a thousand times until she thought she would go mad.


    The sharp, cold stone beneath her felt like needles pricking her skin. Her fingers clawed at the ground, nails breaking as she thrashed and convulsed.


    Through the haze of agony, she caught a glimpse of Yuan''s expression. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Those black azure eyes stared down at her with curiosity, nothing more.


    He was watching her suffering as if it were some experiment.


    An indifferent smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

 Emilas Spirit

    Yuan''s spiritual blood began to twist and morph, slowly transforming into a small, dark blood red snake.


    Its form was sinister and sleek, coiling and uncoiling as it swam through Emilia''s veins like a parasite hungry for control.


    Her own blood fought against the invasion, her spiritual blood and natural blood combining in a desperate attempt to expel the foreign presence.


    But Yuan''s spiritual blood was something far more potent,refined and dangerous, its strength rooted in a power Emilia couldn''t fight against in her current state.


    Under normal circumstances, her body and mind would have been able to resist.


    But she was too weaken,both physically and mentally.


    Her shattered state allowed Yuan''s spiritual blood to spread like poison, overwhelming her weakened defenses.


    Pain rippled through her body. A sensation like fire and ice tearing through her veins. Her nerves screamed, her muscles twitched involuntarily. Every heartbeat seemed to echo with agony.


    But no matter how fiercely her body tried to reject the invader, Yuan''s spiritual blood continued its relentless march. It wound its way through her veins, coiling tighter and tighter around her essence.


    Until finally, it encompassed her entire being.


    Emilia''s eyes went dull, her consciousness sinking into a black void. She was now nothing more than a puppet, her spirit exposed and vulnerable, her mind shut off from the world.


    To anyone else, it would have looked as if she were brain dead.


    But to Yuan, she was exactly as he intended, helpless. A sacrifice waiting to be torn apart.


    "Now¡­ let''s see what''s hiding beneath." Yuan''s voice was cold and emotionless, his eyes gleaming with a detached fascination.


    He opened his palm, allowing a flicker of his azure basilisk flame to ignite. The brilliant, ethereal azure blue fire twisted and danced, molding itself into the shape of a snake.


    The azure snake coiled around his arm, its translucent scales shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Its eyes gleamed with intelligence, as if understanding Yuan''s intentions.


    Without hesitation, Yuan released the snake.


    The azure serpent slid from his arm, landing softly on the cold stone floor. Its movements were graceful and deliberate as it began to slither toward Emilia''s motionless body. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It crawled across her skin, its touch leaving faint, icy trails wherever it passed. Emilia''s eyes remained unfocused, her body limp and unresponsive.


    The snake moved with purpose, coiling itself around her head like a living crown. Its body tightened, squeezing just enough to establish dominance.


    And then, the azure snake opened its jaws, revealing sharp, glistening fangs.


    The snake''s bite was like a key turning in a lock. Emilia''s head split open as if her skull had been shattered from within.


    Fractures snaked along her temples, cracking and crumbling away to reveal what lay hidden beneath.


    A large, green orb with a white core emerged from the remains of her shattered head. It glowed faintly, pulsating with a strange, ethereal light.


    Seeing this, Yuan allowed the azure snake to revert to its original form, the azure basilisk flame and let it rest in his open palm.


    But his gaze wasn''t on the flame. His attention was fixed entirely on the green orb with its white core.


    "The spirit and the soul¡­" Yuan murmured, his voice almost reverent. "So let see if i am right."


    The green orb was Emilia''s spirit, while the white core within it was her soul.


    Yuan''s eyes glowed azure as he stared intently at Emilia''s spirit. As he watched, it began to shift and transform, taking on a form he recognized after seeing it.


    It was the a Special Spirit.


    A Special Spirit is invaluable to any cultivator. Possessing one grants a talent far greater than that provided by a mere special constitution.


    Even more powerful than a Special Spirit is a Unique Soul, something Yuan possessed himself. But Yuan''s situation was far more complicated,so complex that even the Basilisk or Yuan himself couldn''t fully understand it.


    Still, this Special Spirit was incredibly valuable to Yuan. Unfortunately, he couldn''t make use of the soul itself for what he intended.


    The soul was untouchable to him, even if he could manipulate the entire spirit and the soul core within it. But the soul core itself remained beyond his reach.


    Every Special Spirit carried a unique effect within its soul core, something precious to cultivators of all levels, even those at the Soul Part Stage.


    For Yuan, having access to such a power would be a heaven defying advantage. But he couldn''t utilize the soul core.


    All he could claim was the spirit itself. A true pity.


    Now that Yuan had identified the presence of a Special Spirit, he focused more intently, his eyes glowing with curiosity and greed as he began to deduce exactly what kind of Special Spirit Emilia possessed.


    There were countless Special Spirits, but among them existed a renowned ranking.


    the Top 1000 Special Spirits just as there were Top 1000 Special Constitutions and even Top 1000 Unique Souls, the most powerful and coveted among cultivators.


    From what he could see and sense, Yuan was certain that Emilia''s Special Spirit belonged to that special list.


    Her cultivation speed had been unnaturally fast, far beyond what most ordinary cultivators could ever achieve. After all, she had already awakened five meridians.


    Pondering for a moment, Yuan sifted through the vast memories he had inherited from the Basilisk.


    Then, it clicked.


    "The Sword Following Spirit..." Yuan muttered to himself, a faint smile curling his lips.


    According to the Basilisk''s knowledge, the Sword Following Spirit ranked somewhere around 600th among the Top 1000 Special Spirits.


    It was a well spoken off special spirit, known for its ability to aid cultivators in comprehending the Dao of Swords. A perfect guide for those who dedicated themselves to swordsmanship.


    "But... Emilia never displayed much talent with the sword, did she?" Yuan frowned, his thoughts racing to make sense of the contradiction.


    Then he remembered.


    A Special Spirit''s true potential often remained dormant until the cultivator reached the Bone Forging Stage. That stage marked the first step of creating a new body, one that could align more perfectly with the nature of their Special Spirit.


    By using the Special Spirit as a template during the process of Bone Forging, the cultivator could forge a body highly attuned to the spirit''s essence.


    Their talent would become far more pronounced, their connection to the spirit deepening to a degree that ordinary cultivators could never match.


    "Ah¡­ so that''s it." Yuan nodded, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. "She simply hadn''t reached the stage where her talent could truly shine."


    His eyes narrowed, the azure glow within them flickering like a pair of icy flames. He raised his hand and gestured toward Emilia''s exposed Special Spirit.


    The azure basilisk flames surged forward, expanding like ravenous tendrils eager to devour their prey.


    The flames widened and began to consume Emilia''s Special Spirit, the green orb with the white soul core trembling as it was engulfed by the ethereal fire.


    Yuan''s expression remained calm and cold, his focus entirely on the process. But as the azure flames continued their work, something unexpected happened.


    A strange sensation stirred within Yuan.


    Something deep, almost primordial, that he couldn''t quite describe. It was both familiar and foreign.


    A feeling beyond the physical, rooted in the spiritual rather than the material.


    It was as though the act of devouring Emilia''s Special Spirit had triggered something within him, awakening a dormant awareness.


    A sensation that was both understandable and incomprehensible at the same time.


    It was a strange feeling, alien and indescribable, but Yuan sensed that it was right. Something deep within him recognized the sensation as beneficial.


    So, he endured it.


    He allowed the unfamiliar energy to ripple through his body, its currents twisting and surging until they settled into a steady rhythm.


    As time passed, Yuan grew accustomed to the sensation, his body adapting to the change.


    When the feeling finally subsided, Yuan inspected his body. What he discovered left him stunned.


    Somehow, his spiritual blood had reached the 66% mark, edging him dangerously close to a breakthrough into the high layer of the Blood Purification Stage.


    The surprise was evident on his face, this sudden progress had saved him a few years or perhaps even more years of painstaking cultivation.


    But that wasn''t the only change.


    His spiritual blood had grown stronger, its essence brimming with vitality and potency. It felt as if his blood had undergone a small transformation, becoming more vibrant and refined.


    "Good!" Yuan said aloud, a rare smile breaking across his face.


    He glanced at Emilia''s now cold and lifeless corpse. Without a second thought, he waved his hand, releasing the azure basilisk flame to engulf her body.


    The fire devoured her flesh and bone with ravenous efficiency, leaving nothing but charred ashes.


    Turning away from the small cave, Yuan walked out into the open air.


    The metallic stench of blood clung stubbornly to his skin and clothes, making him grimace. He needed to clean himself before he could return to the sect.


    He wandered through the forest, his senses keenly attuned to his surroundings as he searched for a body of water. After nearly an hour of running and searching, he finally came across a river.


    The stream wasn''t particularly strong, making it suitable for bathing.


    After stripping naked, he placed his bloodstained clothes into his bag of holding, which was bound securely around his right arm.


    He stepped into the cold water, letting the current wash away the filth and blood clinging to his skin.


    Scrubbing his body clean was a painful and tedious task, but Yuan persisted until every last trace of blood was gone.


    Once finished, he stepped back onto the riverbank and summoned the azure basilisk flame to dry himself off.


    The ethereal blue fire danced around his body, its heat precise and controlled, leaving his skin warm and dry.


    Afterward, Yuan retrieved a fresh set of inner sect disciple robes from his bag of holding and put them on.


    Feeling refreshed and renewed, he began his journey back to the sect.


    With his tasks now complete, including the sect mission he had undertaken, Yuan''s thoughts shifted to testing his newfound strength.


    As he walked, he circulated his spiritual blood, experimenting with different techniques and pushing the limits of his abilities.


    His movements were smoother, his power more refined. The transformation of his spiritual blood had granted him greater control and efficiency.


    Lost in his thoughts, Yuan''s attention was abruptly drawn by a sudden cry.


    The sound was sharp and desperate, echoing from somewhere close by. Instinctively, Yuan turned to his left and saw an old, sickly man walking with the aid of a weathered stick.


    At first, Yuan intended to ignore the man and continue on his way.


    But something made him stop.


    Without fully understanding why, he turned and began to walk toward the old man.

 Advancing Higher

    At this distance, the man''s features were unmistakable, deep wrinkles lined his face, his black eyes had grown cloudy with age, and his snow white hair gently swayed in the breeze.


    Yet, despite Yuan''s sudden appearance, the old man didn''t panic. He simply looked straight into Yuan''s eyes, calm and composed, before opening his mouth to speak to Yuan.


    Why had he stopped here?


    Shaking his head, he continued walking toward the sect, his thoughts began to slowly shift as he walked back to the spoils of war he had collected.


    Opening the bag of holding that was once sealed and formerly owned by Anna, he examined its contents. Most of the items of the Silver Snakes were unremarkable. As it seems only the bags of holdings belonging to Anna and Emilia held anything of real value to him.


    There were a few pills inside that might help with his cultivation, but the rest¡­ those could be handed over to Ming Ze. He''d find better use for them.


    After checking through everything, Yuan''s mind wandered back to the battle he had just fought.


    The idea to disguise himself as a young boy hadn''t been part of his original plan, it came to him only a few hours before the confrontation.


    To pull it off, he had drawn upon the spiritual blood of the Meridian Awakening cultivators he had previously stored. Using nearly a third of it, he managed to create a convincing outer illusion of a child''s body.


    But the process hadn''t been simple.


    To channel the spiritual blood, Yuan first inscribed a series of Lower Skin Transformation Meaning Runes onto his skin. These runes helped forcibly reshape his form, compressing his body into a smaller, childlike state.


    Still, the transformation was only skin deep.


    Anyone who inspected his body more carefully, especially his internal organs, would immediately notice that it was far from a child''s physiology. His organs had been painfully compressed, twisted into unnatural positions.


    It was a grueling experience, one that left lingering soreness even now.


    As for the change in hair and eye color?


    That was an unexpected side effect of the spiritual blood. The transformation had blended together various traits from the cultivators whose blood he used, creating a new, unique appearance, a change drawn from many sources.


    As for the poison stained dagger? Well, he had simply asked Ming Ze for a pain inducing poison. Ming Ze had given him one, along with a single dose of the antidote.


    Regarding the fight itself, Yuan would say he did okay, considering it was five against one.


    Well¡­ four, afterall he killed the first one before even the fight started.


    The rest of the battle had gone relatively smoothly, but something kept gnawing at him.


    Even though his spiritual blood quantity had surpassed that of a peak layer Blood Purification cultivator, almost nearing the Meridian Awakening Stage, he still found his attacks lacking.


    His techniques were too simple.


    His strongest attack was more harmful to himself than to the enemy. Worse, if he were to use it against someone beyond a freshly advanced Meridian Awakening cultivator, it would be useless, or even suicidal.


    Not only that, but most of his success in the fight had come from sneak attacks and surprise tactics. When it came to direct confrontation, he could only hold his ground¡­ not finishing the enemy directly.


    He lacked killing power.


    These flaws needed to be covered quickly.


    Half a day passed.


    Yuan had already returned to his cultivation cave and entered seclusion.


    During his recent breakthrough to the peak of the Middle Layer, he had realized something important, he could likely reach the High Layer within one or two months.


    So, he formally requested a period of seclusion from the sect.


    The request was approved without issue. After all, he had completed more than enough sect missions to earn a few months of Secluded cultivation time.


    Now, seated in a lotus position, Yuan closed his eyes and began the process.


    He circulated his spiritual blood, guiding it slowly through his veins to infect his remaining normal blood.


    Because of his recent rapid increase in spiritual blood, his body was still disoriented, his normal blood became weakened and confused by the sudden change.


    The process was harder than the breakthrough to the Middle Layer had been, but by not that much, but now, Yuan''s spiritual blood had become far stronger and so the cultivation became uncomplicated to advance his Spiritual Blood.


    With this edge, he managed to successfully advance to the High Layer in just one week.


    The result left Yuan genuinely surprised and pleased.


    "It was thanks to the Azure Basilisk Flame devouring Emilia''s special spirit," Yuan concluded.


    Because of the sudden surge of explosive power during the devouring process, it had unintentionally affected his spiritual blood. Without him actively doing anything, a large portion of his normal blood was transformed into spiritual blood.


    Now, however, that blood was still adjusting, slowly getting used to the new power. The transformation had happened too quickly, leaving the blood unorganized and unstable.


    With this simple conclusion in mind, Yuan happily continued his seclusion.


    Just as he''d predicted, managing the new spiritual blood was far easier than normal. And after only two months, he had already reached 80% mark.


    This was something he never could have imagined.


    The speed of his advancement in the Blood Purification Stage was nothing short of astonishing. When he first joined the sect, he had assumed it would take him ten years to reach the Meridian Awakening Stage.


    But now, Yuan could see himself reaching the Peak Layer of the Blood Purification Stage within two years, and breaking through to Meridian Awakening in just needing one more year.


    What was once a ten year process had suddenly become an six year process.


    That thought made him genuinely smile, as everything became much more simplier than he could have though.


    With his seclusion complete for now, Yuan activated a communication rune and contacted Ming Ze, as he usually did.


    But this time, there was no immediate response.


    He waited a few hours before finally receiving a reply.


    Once it came, Yuan left his cultivation cave and made his way toward the familiar little house he had visited before.


    The place was quiet, with no one around.


    He pushed the door open and stepped inside.


    There sat Ming Ze, holding a cup of tea, sipping it in silence as usual. As the door creaked open and Yuan walked in, Ming Ze looked up, recognized him, and stood to greet him.


    "Greetings, Boss. You''re here for information, or?"His tone was calm and respectful. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yuan simply nodded, then walked over to a vacant wooden chair and sat down.


    Closing his eyes, he exhaled deeply, silent, composed, and waiting.


    As Yuan sat on the wooden chair, Ming Ze reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small wooden cup, placing it gently in front of him. He then lifted the teapot, already filled with freshly brewed spiritual tea and slowly poured it until the cup was full.


    The soft sound of the spiritual tea pouring ceased, and Yuan opened his eyes.


    He picked up the wooden cup and examined the tea.


    The spiritual tea was a deep, rich green. He brought it closer to his nose and inhaled its smell.


    To his surprise, the fragrance was far superior to the last tea he had tasted with Ming Ze. It was stronger, more refined, pleasant and smooth, without being overwhelming.


    Of course, it made sense.


    Much Time had already passed since Yuan gave him the flame controlling alchemy technique, now he should have already known a thing or two more tricks and so, Ming Ze naturally had grown.


    The scent was even beautifully balanced, and from the smell alone, Yuan could tell that the spiritual herbs used in this tea were of high quality, probebly of Blood Purification Stage herbs.


    And not only that, but they were well aged, as he could smell it.


    If he had to guess, the herbs used were around nine to ten years old, impressive, especially for someone at the Blood Purification Beginner Alchemy Stage.


    The only noticeable flaw was in the spiritual essence itself, it wasn''t quite balanced. But that was understandable.


    Blood Purification Beginner Alchemy Stage couldn''t fully master that level of precision.


    Still, the spiritual tea was excellent.


    Yuan nodded in appreciation and brought the cup to his lips, taking a small sip.


    To his surprise, the tea was cold.


    Not freezing, but refreshingly chilled, followed a few seconds later by a gentle wave of warmth spreading through his chest.


    "Wonderful," Yuan said, swallowing the first sip. He looked at Ming Ze with a smile. "You''ve truly improved. I''m genuinely impressed."


    Hearing such praise made Ming Ze beam with joy. He straightened up and saluted.


    "Thank you, Boss Yuan, for your kind words, but I still have a long way to go!"


    "How humble of you, Ming Ze," Yuan replied lightheartedly, which made Ming Ze laugh softly.


    Ming ze then returned to his seat and sitting now, he took a few sips from his own cup of spiritual tea, after all, this spiritual tea was no ordinary brew.


    It was refined enough to aid his cultivation in subtle ways.


    A few moments passed in peaceful silence before Yuan finally placed his cup down and looked into Ming Ze''s eyes.


    "So," Yuan asked calmly, "is there anything noteworthy I should know?"


    For being always at the actuell chapter follow me on NovelFire or royal road!

 Snowfall Before the Flames

    The endless night sky was shrouded in darkness, blanketed by thick clouds that stretched from the earth to the heavens.


    From above, delicate white snowflakes, like drifting flower petals, began to fall gently toward the ground, settling softly before slowly melting away.


    Yuan walked through the sect grounds as the snowflakes drifted down around him. Snow covered everything, the rooftops, the trees, even the folds of his green robe.


    The once solid ground had grown slippery and soft, turning into patches of slushy mud beneath his feet.


    This quiet walk came after he had finally been updated by Ming Ze, who had shared news of several strange occurrences within the sect.


    According to Ming Ze, there had been a sudden surge of rising talents, cultivators far more gifted than the average disciple. And all of this had happened within just the two short months Yuan had been in seclusion.


    To Yuan, it was shocking.


    He couldn''t quite understand how a small sect like the Howling Wind Sect, or even just one of its branch sects, could suddenly produce so many prodigies. It didn''t make sense.


    What was even stranger was that, based on Ming Ze''s information, this phenomenon was unique to their sect.


    None of the other six major sects or the five great families had seen this kind of sudden growth.


    "How weird," Yuan muttered aloud, his voice barely rising over the sound of snow crunching beneath his boots.


    With each step, the snow grew thicker. The air became colder, sharper, until eventually, the chill seeped too deeply into his bones for him to enjoy the walk any longer.


    "Is it already winter, or why is the weather so cold?" Yuan muttered to himself, growing more annoyed by the snow with each passing step.


    He turned back and began walking toward his cultivation cave. Along the way, he passed several other inner sect disciples who also seemed puzzled by the sudden winter.


    Many were discussing how strange the weather was, but since none of the elders or high-ranking sect authorities had made any announcements, Yuan simply brushed it off.


    Instead, his mind drifted back to the other things Ming Ze had mentioned.


    The first thing that caught Yuan''s interest was an upcoming event, an auction hosted by a powerful organization from another human region.


    Ming Ze didn''t know much about the group, only that it was a high ranking organization with far more resources and influence than the Howling Wind Sect.


    According to Ming Ze, even his own master had warned him never to offend them. If something went wrong, the Howling Wind Sect wouldn''t be able to protect him.


    This alone was enough to convince Yuan that the organization was worth noting.


    But before he could fully process everything else Ming Ze had said, something, or rather, someone, caught his eye.


    Standing in front of his cultivation cave, eyes closed and arms crossed, was Li Yun.


    Yuan hadn''t expected to see him again so soon.


    As Yuan''s footsteps approached, Li Yun slowly opened his eyes and turned toward him with a soft smile on his face.


    "Hello, Brother Yuan. Long time no see."


    His voice was gentle and calm, just as it had always been.


    Even after his breakthrough to the Meridian Awakening Stage, Li Yun hadn''t changed. There was no trace of arrogance, only the same familiar warmth.


    Seeing that, Yuan smiled back.


    "Brother Yun, you''re already out of seclusion? I thought you''d remain in closed door cultivation for a few more years!" Hearing Yuan''s surprised question, Li Yun gave a small, bitter smile and let out a soft sigh.


    "A lot has happened that prevented me from continuing my seclusion. But Brother Yuan, why don''t we continue this conversation inside your cultivation cave? The weather today seems especially cold, and this kind of chill isn''t ideal for a casual chat."


    Yuan looked a little embarrassed, smiling awkwardly at himself. Then he nodded and gestured for Li Yun to come inside.


    Li Yun gladly accepted the invitation, this was his first time stepping into Yuan''s cultivation cave.


    If one had to describe the interior in a word, it would be: simple. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There was nothing more than a basic bed, a meter long table, and two plain chairs beside it. The walls were bare, made of aged gray stone carved from the mountain itself.


    No tapestries, no spiritual artifacts, no colors, just cold, lifeless stone.


    It looked more like a puppet''s shelter than the personal space of a cultivator.


    "Don''t you want to decorate your cultivation cave a bit? Maybe add some color? It feels a little too... lifeless. I can help you, if you''d like," Li Yun said with a warm smile as he looked around.


    Yuan blinked, surprised by his words. Decorate his cultivation cave... with color?


    "How strange," he thought, but kept the words to himself. Instead, he responded calmly:


    "Thank you for the offer, but I like it as it is. I rarely invite others here, this cave is just a place for me to cultivate in peace."


    Li Yun stood silently inside the cultivation cave for a moment, then shook his head."If you don''t want it, I can''t force you," he said, referring to the cave''s decoration.


    Then his expression turned serious."Anyway, that''s not the reason I came to see you. There''s something important I need to tell you."


    "Oh?" Yuan responded simply, moving one of the chairs over for Li Yun to sit.


    Li Yun gave a small smile and thanked him before taking the seat. Yuan sat down across from him.


    "So¡­ about a week ago, my family contacted me," Li Yun began."And the news they brought wasn''t good. In fact¡­ it was really, really bad."


    Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly, growing more intrigued."Bad news? What could''ve happened that would force him to break his seclusion?" he thought to himself.


    Li Yun let out a deep sigh, then spoke with a heavy tone."The Five Families are preparing to declare war¡­ against all the sects."


    "War?" Yuan repeated aloud, his voice calm but attentive.


    "The Five Families want to go to war with the Seven Sects? Now that''s real news that could shake the entire cultivation world," Yuan thought silently.


    It was a bold move, too bold, even for them.


    "Yes. War," Li Yun confirmed."And¡­ it seems that our Li Family will be betraying the Five Families. We''ll be siding with the Seven Sects. That''s why I was pulled out of seclusion."


    Yuan nodded calmly."Understandable," he said, locking eyes with Li Yun."Then¡­ when do they plan to declare it?"


    Li Yun blinked in surprise, stunned by how composed Yuan remained.


    He looked at him with a puzzled expression."Wait, are you not shocked by this? Why are you so calm?"


    "Why am I so calm, you ask? Hmm, good question¡­ let me think," Yuan replied, trying to come up with a suitable reason.


    Of course, he couldn''t just tell Li Yun that he had already suspected the Five Families were growing too ambitious. That would raise too many questions.


    After a brief pause, he thought of a reasonable explanation.


    "Well," he began calmly, "I always believed that a war would break out sooner or later. So when you mentioned it, I wasn''t that shocked. What caught me off guard was who the war is against. I expected conflict with the other sects¡­ not with the Five Families."


    Li Yun nodded thoughtfully. War between sects wasn''t uncommon, when he first joined the Howling Wind Sect, one had just ended. He had learned much from his seniors about those past conflicts, so he couldn''t disagree with Yuan''s logic.


    For a moment, Li Yun drifted into his own thoughts, until Yuan spoke again.


    "By the way," Yuan said, turning his gaze toward him, "was there another reason you came to see me, aside from delivering news about the upcoming war?"


    "Cough!"Li Yun let out a small, embarrassed cough, realizing he had nearly forgotten the main reason for his visit.


    "Yes, actually. That is why I waited for you outside your cave."


    He took a breath and looked Yuan in the eyes.


    "My family informed me that I''ve been selected to serve as a captain in the war, leading a small squad of fellow inner sect disciples. And so, I came here to invite you."


    "Me?" Yuan asked.


    "Yes, Brother Yuan. I want you to be my right hand. Out of everyone I know, you''re the one I trust most to stand beside me. I want your help¡­ to survive this war."


    Yuan fell silent for a few moments, seriously considering the proposal. Then he nodded slowly.


    "I understand, Brother Yun. But this is a major decision, one that could shape my future as a cultivator. I hope you''ll understand if I ask for some time to think it over."


    Li Yun didn''t seem disappointed. In fact, he smiled warmly.


    "Of course," he said. "Take all the time you need. Just knowing you''re considering it makes me happy, But let me know before the sect officially announces the war. I''ll need your answer by then."


    With that, Li Yun stood up, offered a parting nod, and left Yuan''s cultivation cave.


    As the door closed behind him, Yuan rose to his feet and sealed the entrance with a simple formation.


    Once the cave was secured, a wide smile spread across his face.


    He turned and walked back to his bed, lying down with a sense of satisfaction.


    Closing his eyes, he allowed his mind to wander, to the war, and to Li Yun''s offer.


    Bit by bit, Yuan''s thoughts began to solidify. He carefully considered the implications of the war with the Five Families, the risks, the benefits, and the opportunities it might offer.


    "Going to war could be truly beneficial to me," he thought, his expression calm but resolute.


    The choice was no longer a question.


    With his decision now clear in his heart, Yuan knew what he wanted.


    He would join the war.


    And he would stand at Li Yun''s side.

 Bright, Glowed, Refined

    A week passed quickly.


    During that time, Yuan remained in quiet cultivation within his cave, eyes closed, breathing steady. It was a calm and peaceful week, one where he could feel the subtle stirrings of his next breakthrough, the faint momentum of growth beginning to take shape.


    But that tranquility was suddenly shattered by a loud voice echoing through the sect grounds, drawing Yuan from his meditative state.


    "To all Inner Sect disciples, this is Grand Elder Wu. Report to the Sect Hall on the seventh floor. Be there precisely when the sun reaches its highest point!"


    The voice was gentle and composed, but the weight behind it was unmistakable.


    Yuan opened his eyes slowly. He already had a good idea of what this gathering was about.


    The war was coming.


    Whether it would begin tomorrow, in a week, or a month, it no longer mattered. It was no longer a distant possibility. It would happen. Soon.


    He exhaled deeply and closed his eyes again, preparing to return to his cultivation.


    But before he could fully settle into a meditative state, a soft pulse ran through the alert rune he''d crafted specifically for messages from Ming Ze had activated.


    His eyes snapped open.


    "Blood Red?" Yuan muttered, narrowing his gaze at the glowing rune hovering before him.


    That was the highest alert level, far above the dark blue he had assigned to the war''s announcement. Blood Red was reserved for only the most severe circumstances: events involving certain death or irreversible consequences.


    Yuan stood up immediately.


    Had he misjudged the situation? Or had something else entirely happened? Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without hesitation, he adjusted the folds of his green robe and sealed the cave''s entrance with a formation.


    Then, without looking back, he stepped into the snow-covered path, heading toward whatever storm awaited him.


    The weather was still snowy, but now only traces of snow remained, gathered in the corners of walkways, not in the middle. It seemed the sect had something in place to prevent the snow from blocking the main paths. Though the air was still cold, it was bearable for Yuan.


    As he approached the familiar wooden house, he spotted Ming Ze already standing outside. When he saw Yuan, Ming Ze smiled warmly, as usual.


    By the time Yuan reached the door, Ming Ze had already stepped inside and was preparing tea. But Yuan wasn''t in the mood for tea today.


    He spoke directly, cutting through the usual greetings.


    "So, what''s so important that we needed to meet right away?"


    Hearing his tone, Ming Ze sighed and nodded.


    "Boss Yuan, you''ve probably already heard Grand Elder Wu''s announcement, but my master told me what it''s really about. He said that the Five Families have officially declared war on all Seven Sects."


    Yuan remained calm, nodding slowly."Yes, I already know that. Anything else?"


    Ming Ze''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Shocked! He had expected panic or at least concern, but Yuan was completely composed. He stared blankly for a moment, then laughed nervously.


    "So Boss Yuan already knows about the war? Well, that makes things easier, less for me to explain!"


    He looked genuinely relieved, but as he glanced at Yuan''s impatient expression, he quickly continued.


    "Since you already know about the war, then... do you also know that the Five Families have two Peak Marrow Essence cultivators as their family heads?"


    Yuan''s eyes narrowed, a flash of shock finally breaking through his calm facade.


    "Two Peak Marrow Essence cultivators?" he repeated. Then, with urgency in his voice, he asked:


    "What kind? Are they Bright Marrow cultivators? Glowed? Or Refined?"


    Ming Ze blinked, confused.


    "Bright? Glowed? Refined?"He tilted his head slightly, trying to make sense of the terms."What are those?"


    The question stunned Yuan for a moment. Then he realized, of course Ming Ze didn''t know.


    He hadn''t even reached the Bone Forging or Meridian Awakening stage yet, so it made sense that he was unfamiliar with the titles within the Marrow Essence realm.


    Yuan took a breath and began to explain.


    "At the Bone Forging stage, cultivators are refining and strengthening their physical bodies, you already know that, right?"


    Ming Ze nodded.


    "Then you should also know that within Bone Forging, there are four sub stages, based on the quality of body refinement. The first is Bright Bone Forging, the most basic. Then comes Glowed Bone Forging, followed by Refined Bone Forging, and finally, the rarest, Special Bone Forging."


    Again, Ming Ze nodded along, listening carefully.


    Yuan continued.


    "To reach the Marrow Essence stage, you need to first reach the peak of your current Bone Forging level and break through. But here''s the catch, if you break through while you''re only a Bright Bone Forging cultivator, you become a Bright Marrow Essence cultivator. That makes you the weakest among Marrow Essence cultivators."


    He paused briefly, letting that sink in before continuing.


    "A Bright Marrow Essence cultivator is only slightly stronger than a peak Refined Bone Forging cultivator. But if someone breaks through at the Glowed level, they become a Glowed Marrow Essence cultivator, which is significantly stronger. A Glowed cultivator could easily kill a Bright one. And as for Refined or Special Marrow Essence cultivators?"


    Yuan gave a soft chuckle.


    "They could slap a Bright Marrow Essence cultivator to death without even using full strength. So, do you see how important that distinction is?"


    Ming Ze''s eyes widened with awe.


    "Wow..." he breathed. He was clearly fascinated by Yuan''s deep knowledge of stages far above his own and shocked that no one had ever explained this to him.


    He searched his memory, but couldn''t recall his master ever mentioning anything about Bright, Glowed, or Refined cultivators


    He shook his head slowly."My master never said anything like that. He just called them Marrow Essence cultivators and left it at that."


    Yuan let out a quiet sigh.


    This only deepened his frustration.


    He realized he didn''t even have a clear understanding of the power levels within his own sect. He had never truly seen the elders, the grand elders, or the sect head in action.


    And with his cultivation still too low, he couldn''t properly gauge their strength just by sensing their presence once or twice.


    Only if they fought... maybe then, he could guess, even though barely.


    "Anyway," Yuan said, shifting the topic, "is there anything else besides the war you wanted to tell me?"


    Ming Ze paused, thinking for a moment before something came to mind.


    "Well... I''m not sure how important this really is, but I overheard my master speaking with another elder. They said the auction is very important and shouldn''t be missed. Other than that, no, nothing else."


    Yuan nodded, then took his leave. As he walked back toward his cultivation cave, his thoughts lingered on the war.


    Along the way, he passed the staircases that led to the higher floors of the sect. As he glanced at them, a thought came to mind.


    "If I''ve already decided to join Li Yun''s team, I should let him know now."


    With that, Yuan turned around and began ascending the stairs, taking his time as he climbed up to the third floor. Soon, he arrived at Li Yun''s door and gave it a firm knock.


    Surprisingly, Li Yun opened the door almost immediately.


    "Hello, Brother Yuan. It seems you''ve already made your decision!"


    Li Yun sounded cheerful, a wide smile on his face. Yuan nodded.


    "Come in, come in, to my humble cave," Li Yun said, stepping aside.


    Yuan entered. Just like last time, the interior remained unchanged, modest, clean, and welcoming.


    He took the same seat as before, while Li Yun moved to prepare some spiritual tea. After pouring a cup for Yuan, he served himself as well and sat down, taking a sip with clear satisfaction.


    Watching how happy Li Yun was, Yuan couldn''t help but feel a small flicker of suspicion. But for now, he chose to trust him, there was no reason to believe Li Yun had any ill intent.


    So, Yuan took a careful sip of the tea.


    To his surprise, this tea had a subtle effect, it stimulated his cultivation.


    He could feel it loosening the resistance in his blood slightly. His blood had already reformed and strengthened to the standard intensity of someone at 80% fusion, but this tea weakened that resistance just a bit.


    With this minor boost, Yuan estimated he might gain another percent of progress within the next week, slightly accelerating his pace.


    "Good tea," Yuan said, prompting an even brighter smile from Li Yun, who let out a light chuckle and nodded.


    "It should be. It was prepared by a high stage alchemist in the Bone Forging stage afterall!"


    Yuan raised an eyebrow in surprise.


    So this spiritual tea was crafted by a Bone Forging stage alchemist? That certainly explained the noticeable effect on his blood circulation. With a small smile, he took a second sip and nodded again in approval.


    "Indeed, it''s very helpful for my cultivation. I must thank Brother Yun for this opportunity."


    With that, Yuan gave a respectful half-bow and saluted.


    "Hahaha!" Li Yun laughed, shaking his head in amusement."What''s there to thank and salute me for, Brother Yuan? If you bow to me like that, how could we still call each other brothers? Forget the etiquette, just accept this as a small gift."


    Yuan straightened his back and gave a simple nod.


    "Then I shall thank Brother Yun."


    A few moments of comfortable silence followed as both sipped their tea. Then Li Yun glanced over, his gaze steady but hopeful. "So¡­ what''s your decision?"


    "My decision?" Yuan voice echoed in the cultivation cave, watching as Li Yun took another relaxed sip of tea.


    He gave a small smile of his own before replying.


    "I''ve decided to follow Brother Yun and become your right hand."

 Call to All Disciples

    With a content smile, Li Yun simply nodded, his eyes slowly closing as he lifted his cup of spiritual tea and took a light sip. Seeing him drink in silence, Yuan did the same.


    The two of them sat quietly, each enjoying the soothing warmth and rich aroma of the tea. It carried a fresh, calming scent, and every sip brought a subtle warmth that spread gently through the body.


    There was nothing more to be said.


    Beyond the limited knowledge that a war was coming, neither of them knew much else. All they could do now was wait, for the sun to sink toward the horizon, and for the sect''s declaration to begin.


    As Yuan drank the tea, he could feel his blood loosening slightly, its resistance softening under the influence of the spiritual energy within the brew. He focused inward, hoping to prolong the effect through light cultivation. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And he succeeded.


    The subtle warmth continued to flow within him, extending the benefit of the tea for at least a few more hours, time he otherwise might have wasted while waiting for the elders to formally declare war on the Five Families.


    Then, after what felt like hours, Li Yun opened his eyes. Without a word, he gently set his teacup down onto the wooden table with a soft clap.


    Though the sound wasn''t loud, it broke the long silence, enough for Yuan to open his eyes as well.


    His gaze shimmered with a faint azure glow, his black eyes, touched by the lingering effects of cultivation, reflected the soft energy still moving within him.


    Li Yun met his eyes and smiled.


    "It''s time to go," he said calmly. "The sun is already close to setting."


    Yuan looked at the nearly empty cup in his hand, drank the final sip of spiritual tea, and placed it down beside Li Yun''s.


    Then, he stood from his chair.


    Li Yun followed his lead without hesitation.


    Li Yun first picked up the two teacups and, with a smooth flick of his wrist, let them slip into his sleeve where his already open bag of holding waited to receive them. The motion was swift and practiced, within seconds, both cups had disappeared.


    He then walked to the door, opened it, and politely gestured for Yuan to step out first.


    Yuan nodded and exited the cultivation cave. Once he was outside, Li Yun followed and sealed the door behind them with a brief motion of his hand.


    With the cave now secured, the two of them began walking side by side toward the staircases that led up the Seventh Peak Mountain to the higher floors of the sect.


    On the way, they encountered several Inner Sect disciples, many of whom recognized Li Yun and quickly came over to greet him, asking casual questions about his return and what had happened during his seclusion.


    Most of these disciples belonged to the Rising Flames rank and largely ignored Yuan, viewing him as unimportant.


    But as more and more disciples gathered around Li Yun, it became harder for Yuan to even move through the crowd. He found himself subtly pushed to the back, unnoticed.


    Noticing this, Li Yun stopped on the staircase and turned to Yuan with a small but sincere smile.


    "Brother Yuan, you should walk next to me, not behind me."


    Those simple, yet meaningful words stunned the surrounding Rising Flames ranked inner sect disciples. The shift in atmosphere was immediate.


    In the blink of an eye, their attitudes toward Yuan flipped as if turning a coin. They began smiling, nodding, and even trying to engage him in conversation.


    Yuan understood what Li Yun had just done.


    With one sentence, Li Yun had publicly signaled Yuan''s importance to him, forcing the others to recognize and respect him as well. And now, these disciples were scrambling to befriend him, hoping to earn Li Yun''s favor by association.


    To Yuan, this behavior was pathetic.


    He disliked this type of cultivator, those who sought to rise not through their own efforts, but by clinging to someone stronger.


    "If you need the favor of others just to stand out, how do you expect to climb the true heights of cultivation?" Yuan thought.


    "Cultivation is a lonely path. Strength is born in solitude and struggle, not through flattery."


    Sure, help could accelerate progress, but relying on it entirely would never produce true power. At most, such people would become puppets for those they tried to serve.


    And once their usefulness ran out¡­ well, what need does a puppeteer have for a useless puppet?


    Still, Yuan kept those thoughts to himself. On the outside, he wore a calm, friendly smile, joining in on the surface level conversation.


    He understood the game and for now, he would play his role.


    Slowly, they arrived at the seventh floor, a place usually reserved for the Sect Head and the Grand Elders. But now, nearly eight hundred disciples stood gathered before a single pavilion: the Sect Hall.


    The Sect Hall pavilion was massive, capable of holding slightly more than a thousand people. Its size alone was impressive, but its design was equally striking.


    The entire structure was painted a deep, dark green that matched the surrounding pavilions of the other elders and blended naturally with the towering trees that surrounded the area.


    Seven sharp, slender towers crowned the pavilion, but what stood out the most were the main doors, massive stone slabs more than seven meters tall, carved from a dark gray stone that radiated a sense of weight and age.


    It was a majestic building.


    But what truly caught Yuan''s attention were the small glowing runes etched into the pavilion''s surface. Delicate yet powerful, they shimmered faintly along the walls.


    Yuan stared at them, briefly stunned.


    "A runic formation," he thought. "The first one I''ve seen since leaving the Illusion Forest."


    The sun was beginning to set behind the Sect Hall, casting long shadows and bathing the pavilion in warm gold. The murmurs of the disciples slowly faded, until a hush fell over the crowd.


    And then, with deep, echoing groans, the seven meter tall stone doors began to open.


    The setting sun framed the pavilion from behind, lending it an even more majestic presence. As the heavy doors fully parted, the interior of the great hall was revealed, spacious, silent, waiting.


    One by one, the disciples began to walk inside.


    Yuan followed.


    Inside the Sect Hall, he glanced around in quiet awe.


    The decoration was lavish, elegant carvings, precious wood, fine materials. Everything about the interior screamed wealth and prestige.


    "So the sect really doesn''t hold back when it comes to important places like this," Yuan thought.


    But what drew the most attention was the broad staircase at the far end of the hall, leading up to an elevated platform where a throne made of dark green stone rested.


    Yuan tried to get a better look, but his position wasn''t ideal, his view was partially blocked, and he couldn''t clearly make out the finer details.


    So, he shifted his gaze around the hall, until a loud bam echoed behind him.


    He turned his head.


    The massive gray stone doors had closed, sealing the hall completely.


    Yuan wasn''t surprised. He had expected something like this would happen.


    "Cough."


    A single, loud yet strangely calm cough rang through the hall. It was both commanding and quiet, an unusual combination that instantly caught everyone''s attention.


    All eyes turned to the throne platform.


    There, standing on the higher stage, were four figures.


    Seated in the center, upon the throne, was a man dressed in a dark green ceremonial robe. His long black hair flowed behind him, and while Yuan couldn''t clearly see his face due to the distance and angle, the aura he projected was unmistakable powerful, composed, and absolute.


    To the man''s left, two elderly figures stood motionless and coldly at them with their hands clasped behind their backs. They too wore dark green ceremonial robes, though each bore unique patterns on their fabric, symbols of rank or sect position, perhaps.


    One of the elders had long, dirty blonde hair, while the other''s hair was a gleaming silver white.


    To the right of the throne stood a middle aged man with dark hair. Unlike the two elders, his robe was plain and simple, not ceremonial like the others, the color and style matched one of the worn robe by the man sitting on the throne.


    All four stood silently, like statues, exuding an air of solemn authority.


    Then, nine more figures entered from the sides, all elderly men, each taking a position on a lower section of the hall, below the main platform but arranged in a stepped formation.


    Some wore robes with patterns similar to the elders above, while others had simpler designs, three of them even wore plain dark green robes, devoid of patterns.


    Yuan narrowed his eyes, trying to make out their features more clearly, but before he could examine them in detail a calm, quiet voice filled the hall.


    "Disciples of the Howling Wind Sect, hear me."


    Yuan''s head immediately turned toward the dark green stone throne. The voice had come from the man seated upon it and now that he was speaking, all eyes were locked on him.


    "I am Wang, Branch Sect Head of this branch of the Howling Wind Sect. Some of you may have seen me before, and others may be hearing my voice for the first time. But that does not matter today."


    The hall remained silent.


    Every Inner Sect disciple listened attentively. Some gazed at him with curiosity, others with excitement, and a few with barely hidden fear. The emotions in the room were varied, but not one dared to speak.


    "Today, I bring you news that cannot be ignored. The Five Families have officially declared war against the Seven Sects of the Seven Peak Mist Mountain Region. With this declaration, the Seven Sects have come to a unified decision. We will eliminate the Five Families."


    The words struck like thunder.


    A few disciples inhaled sharply. Others tensed but remained composed. Yuan simply watched and listened, his expression unreadable.


    "That is all I have to say. The details of what will follow will be explained by the elders of our sect."


    With that, Branch Sect Head Wang fell silent and an gray mist appeared out of nowhere the mist then slowly faded away, taking him with it, leaving the dark green throne alone.

 War Begins With Order

    "Disciples, hear me out!"


    Just as the Sect Head vanished from his dark green throne, a voice rang out from slightly below the main platform. All the disciples instinctively turned their heads toward the source.


    Standing on the final step before the elevated stage, where the Grand Elders and Sect Head had just stood, was a tall elder with blond hair and shining ocean blue eyes. His ceremonial dark green robe was adorned with white cloud patterns, matching the design worn by one of the Grand Elders who had stood to the Sect Head''s left.


    The elder stood with his hands tucked into his sleeves. His once cold and stern face had softened slightly, a faint smile playing at his lips, and his gaze, though sharp, was warm and steady.


    "As Branch Sect Head Wang has declared, we are now at war with the Five Families. But for those of you who are unfamiliar with who these Five Families are, let me name them for you."


    As he continued, his tone gradually shifted, growing firmer, more authoritative.


    "First, the Wu Family. Then the Yang Family, the River Family, the Prayer Family, and the Ruby Family. These five stand united as our enemies."


    A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.


    "And yes, many of you already know that several of our disciples and even two elders, along with one Grand Elder, have blood ties to the Wu and Yang Families. However, the ones standing among us now have severed those ties. They chose to stay with our home, the Howling Wind Sect and in doing so, they have betrayed their own families for the sake of loyalty and righteousness."


    A sharp gasp rippled through the crowd. Shock was etched on many faces.


    The Wu and Yang Families had long been seen as allies of the Howling Wind Sect, respected, trusted, and bound by generations of cooperation. Their betrayal struck deep.


    They were, after all, neighboring powers, almost an extension of the sect itself in the eyes of many disciples.


    But before the disciples could fully recover from their shock, the elder spoke again.


    "In the coming days, the sect will gradually transform into a military sect. From that point onward, all orders from your superiors will be absolute. However, should anyone abuse their authority, they will be severely punished by my Discipline Hall. So be cautious!"


    His voice echoed with authority, cutting through the tension in the hall.


    He then scanned the crowd of Inner Sect disciples before continuing.


    "Regarding military ranks, among the Inner Sect disciples, the highest positions will be held by the Ten Supreme Squad Leaders, these titles will be assigned to the ten disciples of the True Phoenix rank."


    "Below them are the Squad Leaders, chosen from the top fifty of the Young Phoenix rank. And beneath them are the Team Leaders, selected from those who fall below the top fifty."


    Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly as he absorbed the structure.


    "Team Leaders, Squad Leaders, and then Supreme Squad Leaders... Interesting," he thought.


    Before he could reflect further, the elder continued.


    "The Supreme Squad Leaders will command the Rising Flames. The Squad Leaders will also lead Rising Flames, and the Team Leaders will oversee Ashes, as well as a few Rising Flames disciples."


    The elder paused, giving the disciples time to absorb the structure and hierarchy being introduced.


    Then he spoke again, his voice clear and sharp.


    "That covers the ranks for Inner Sect disciples. Above them are the Core Disciples, who will take on the ranks of Generals. These are divided into Third Rank, Second Rank, and First Rank, with the First Rank being the highest among them."


    "Above the Generals stand the Nine Elders, who will serve as the Nine Commanders. Above them are the Supreme Commanders, our Three Grand Elders, followed by the Sect Head himself."


    The elder stopped there, his explanation clear but deliberately lacking further detail.


    Yuan furrowed his brow slightly.


    "He didn''t go into detail about the ranks above the Supreme Squad Leaders," he thought. "Are they hiding something? Or is it simply not something we''re meant to know yet? Perhaps they have more important matters to attend to than explaining everything to Inner Disciples..."


    Questions stirred in his mind, but before he could dwell on them for long, another elder stepped forward, this one standing just a step below the first.


    The next elder stepped forward. He had long black hair and cold, dark eyes. Unlike the previous speaker, his face held no warmth, only an icy indifference that radiated through his gaze.


    His ceremonial dark green robe was embroidered with a black dragon pattern, which shimmered faintly under the light.


    He began to speak in a firm, emotionless tone.


    "The ranks for Outer Disciples are divided into three levels: the lowest is Lower Soldier, followed by Advanced Soldier, and the highest is Peak Soldier. Each Team Leader will command thirty Lower Soldiers, twenty Advanced Soldiers, ten Peak Soldiers, and five Ash ranked Inner Disciples. Each Squad Leader will oversee five Team Leaders. Each Supreme Squad Leader will command five Squad Leaders."


    He paused briefly, then added.


    "All Squad Leaders will operate under the orders of a Third Ranked Commander or higher."


    With that, the black haired elder fell silent for a moment.


    Then, his voice cut through the air again, this time louder, sharper.


    "More detailed information will be distributed later. Everything you need to know will be made clear in time."


    He raised his voice further, nearly shouting.


    "That is all. Return and wait for further instructions!"


    As his final words echoed through the hall, the massive gray stone doors began to open with a loud, grinding sound. A low rumble filled the space as the doors slowly parted.


    And just as they blinked, all the elders and Grand Elders vanished in an instant, leaving behind only a faint trail of mist that hung in the air before fading away completely.


    With the elders gone, the gathered Inner Sect disciples began to disperse.


    Some walked away quietly, still processing the news. Others stood in silence, gripped by fear or disbelief. And many began whispering among their fellow disciples, trying to make sense of what was to come.


    In Yuan''s case, he was among the last group, because Li Yun suddenly turned to him and grinned.


    "See? I told you they''d announce the war," Li Yun said with a chuckle.


    Yuan opened his mouth to respond, but before he could speak, a group of Inner Sect disciples who had arrived with them began to surround him, striking up conversation one after another.


    They spoke excitedly, about how shocked they were, how eager they felt to bring glory to the sect, and, naturally, how they hoped to rise through the ranks during the war.


    Throughout it all, Li Yun simply smiled. He didn''t say anything particularly meaningful or controversial, just nodded politely at their words, maintaining a neutral stance.


    As the number of disciples inside the Sect Hall began to thin out, Li Yun saw his chance.


    He gently suggested they all return to their cultivation caves and await further instructions from the sect. The others agreed happily, and soon enough, Li Yun and Yuan were once again walking side by side down the staircases, with other disciples chatting or quietly making their way behind them.


    After a few moments, Li Yun glanced at Yuan.


    "Say, Brother Yuan, what do you think of this military system the sect has created?" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The question caught Yuan slightly off guard. He didn''t reply immediately, taking a few moments to think it over.


    Eventually, Yuan answered, his voice low and thoughtful


    "I don''t really care much for it, personally. But from what I can see, it''s a strict system. A lot of ranks¡­ a clear chain of command. It looks solid on the surface, but that doesn''t always hold up in reality."


    Li Yun raised an eyebrow, curious.


    "What do you mean?"


    "War is chaotic," Yuan said. "Rules and orders can crumble in an instant. What happens if a Supreme Squad Leader dies in the middle of battle? What happens to the squads under him? Who leads them next, the strongest? The most intelligent?"


    He paused, thinking for a moment before continuing.


    "In theory, both strength and intelligence are needed. But in practice, they often oppose each other. If both try to lead, conflict arises. And without a clear chain of authority, everything can fall apart. The moment a general falls, it becomes chaos for the rest of us, the ordinary soldiers. We won''t know who to follow."


    Li Yun let out a quiet sigh.


    "True," he said softly after realizing what Yuan just said, offering no argument.


    His eyes drifted forward to where some disciples laughed and chatted in small groups, while others walked in silence, lost in their own thoughts.


    "In the end," Li Yun muttered, "it''ll come down to us, to save ourselves in the middle of the chaotic battle."


    After that, neither of them said another word.


    They walked down the remaining stairs in silence, until they reached the third floor. Li Yun turned toward his cultivation cave without another glance.


    Yuan simply continued down to the first floor.


    Soon, he arrived at the door to his own cave, sealing the world out once more.


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